Nearly two years after a citizen-led protest compelled the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation to drop its proposal for an underground parking facility at Raosaheb Patwardhan Park, the civic body has unveiled a redevelopment plan for the popular green space. However, residents have questioned why the adjoining annex plot—earlier earmarked for the parking project—has been left out of the new proposal.
The annex area, located next to the main park, is partly concreted and regularly used by children for sports. It also serves as a venue for a Durga Pooja pandal during Navratri, organised annually by residents with roots in West Bengal. Locals say the park is a key recreational hub, attracting walkers, students and nearby school groups for daily activities.
Swapna Mhatre said, “The BMC has not been able to do any development or improvement work here since 2017 because of the controversy. The park has a high footfall and needs urgent work. Paver blocks and furniture are broken, and equipment is out of order. The plot where the parking lot was planned was not taken up because it is contentious. If residents want anything specific to be done, they can suggest it to the ward officer or me’.”
The proposed revamp includes a new entrance gate, compound wall, upgraded play equipment, yoga facilities, gym installations, improved pathways, lighting, and horticultural work.
Despite these upgrades, concerns persist. A member of the Im-pact citizens’ group said, “The annexe area is partially concreted. Ideally, it should be converted into a mud ground. It would be good if no work were planned for this spot, because we are unable to trust the BMC. There is a Durga Pooja Pandal every year, so members should be consulted on what the BMC plans to do regarding the annexe’.”
Asif Zakaria added, “The plot where the parking lot was planned has not been included in the revamp plan. This raises concerns about what they want to do with that area – such as give in to the fads of creating a turf, or a pickleball area, or use the plot to monetise access somehow. Citizens were also not consulted on the requirements of the park, especially since Rs 5 crore is a large sum. Instead, the BMC has picked no-brainer civil and cosmetic work where it is very difficult to gauge the quantum of work versus cost’.”
Source: Mid-day
