A proposed creek-side jogging track project in Belapur, Navi Mumbai, estimated to cost between Rs 12 crore and Rs 14 crore, has triggered political criticism and debate over the need for additional recreational infrastructure in the area.
The project involves the construction of a nearly one-kilometre jogging track between the old municipal school in Sector 50 and Savla Hospital Chowk along the Belapur creek stretch. Civic authorities are reportedly planning the development on the lines of the popular “Jewels of Navi Mumbai” waterfront project.
However, the proposal has drawn objections from Bharat Jadhav, Navi Mumbai city district president of the Nationalist Congress Party and former corporator, who questioned both the necessity and the projected cost of the development.
Jadhav alleged that the area already has an existing cycle track, which residents currently use extensively for walking and jogging. According to him, the track is rarely used for cycling because of design-related issues and physical obstructions, effectively turning it into an informal pedestrian zone.
“There is no need to spend Rs 12 to 14 crore on a new jogging track when the existing cycle track is already being used by thousands of citizens for walking and jogging,” Jadhav said.
He further urged the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) to redirect the proposed expenditure toward pending civic infrastructure projects in the area, including an indoor stadium, service roads and the incomplete bridge in New Sector 50.
Meanwhile, officials from the civic engineering department clarified that the project has not yet received final approval and remains in its preliminary stages.
“The project is currently under the tendering process. Necessary permissions are yet to be obtained and the proposal will be placed before the Standing Committee for approval,” a senior civic official said.
Authorities added that the proposal is still awaiting administrative clearance and that further procedures, including statutory approvals, will need to be completed before any work order is issued.
The debate highlights the broader challenge faced by urban local bodies in balancing recreational infrastructure expansion with demands for essential civic works in rapidly developing urban regions such as Navi Mumbai.
Source: The Free Press Journal
