Maharashtra minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha has asked authorities to reconsider the proposed installation of an electrical substation on a volleyball ground at Girgaum Chowpatty, which is earmarked for infrastructure work linked to the Orange Gate–Marine Drive underground tunnel project.
Raising concerns over the loss of public recreational spaces, the BJP leader said the ground at Mafatlal Gymkhana is used by hundreds of residents every day and should remain accessible for sporting activities.
Lodha met Mumbai Additional Collector Bappasaheb Thorat, Resident Officer Shivananda Langdapure and local residents on Tuesday. He urged the district administration to protect the playground and proposed two alternative locations for the substation: a railway-owned plot opposite the ground and another site at Girgaum Chowpatty, where work on an underground substation had earlier begun.
A high-powered committee had recommended using the volleyball ground for the facility. However, Lodha said most committee members had agreed to examine the alternative locations.
“Volleyball is a sport played by ordinary citizens. Every day, between 300 and 500 people play here from 6am onwards. Since alternatives are available, our request is that this ground be preserved for public use,” he said.
The minister added that he had discussed the matter with Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) officials and senior committee members. A joint meeting is expected to be held after Diwali to work towards a final decision.
Balancing Infrastructure and Public Spaces
The Orange Gate–Marine Drive tunnel is a major transport project intended to improve connectivity and reduce traffic congestion in South Mumbai. Lodha maintained that the infrastructure work should progress within its planned timeline without sacrificing valuable public spaces.
Mafatlal Gymkhana, officially known as P M Hindu Bath Swimming Bath and Boat Club Trust, was established in 1939 and inaugurated by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. With approximately 44,000 members, the charitable institution provides sporting and health facilities to more than 3,000 citizens daily.
Source: Times of India
