A proposal to build an underground parking facility beneath Prabhadevi’s Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Maidan, formerly known as Nardulla Tank Maidan, has sparked a fresh civic and political debate, with residents and sports enthusiasts expressing concerns over the future of one of the area’s few remaining open spaces.
The proposed parking structure forms part of the broader Siddhivinayak Temple precinct rejuvenation project. Under the plan, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) intends to construct a two-level underground parking facility capable of accommodating 240 vehicles.
The first phase of the project began this week with soil testing activities at the site. The move drew objections from local residents and Mahim MLA Mahesh Sawant, while concerns were also raised during a pre-monsoon review meeting at the G-North ward office attended by Worli MLA Aaditya Thackeray.
Residents and local representatives argue that the playground has already lost a portion of its area due to Metro-related infrastructure works and should not undergo another prolonged construction phase.
Speaking on the issue, Mahesh Sawant said, “Part of the ground has already been occupied because of the Metro project. If the BMC now uses the same ground for parking, locals will lose the only major playground in the area. There is already a public parking facility within walking distance on Sayani Road, which can be used by devotees visiting the temple.”
Local resident Yogesh Hule said, “This ground is already L-shaped. Due to the Metro project, nearly 25 per cent of the ground is occupied. The entry and exit points for the underground parking will be on the surface, and boundary walls will also come up within the ground. We have already lost access to parts of the ground for nearly eight years because of Metro work. If underground parking construction begins now, we may lose another three to four years and a significant portion of the playground.”
However, BJP leaders and Siddhivinayak Temple trustees have rejected claims that the project would significantly impact the ground.
“A Rs 500-crore development package was announced, of which Rs 78 crore has been approved for the first phase. The work includes beautification of the outer wall, modernisation of the corridor and rooftop area, and improvements to the drainage system. To address the chronic shortage of parking for devotees in the Dadar-Prabhadevi area, the BMC is constructing a two-level underground parking facility beneath the old Naradulla Tank ground,” said Jitendra Raut.
He added that only a small portion of the 22,000-square-metre ground would be temporarily used during construction and that the playground would remain largely accessible after completion, with minimal surface area required for vehicle entry and exit points.
Source: Mumbai Mirror
