Advertisement
What really powers the cloud? Behind every Google search, A...
A lot of what defines a home isn’t visible at handover. I...
Private equity has played a significant role in shaping Indi...
Luxury real estate is one of the most talked-about segments ...
Airports play a much bigger role than just enabling travel -...
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Varun Sardesai has sought an inquiry into alleged restrictions on public access at City Park in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), claiming portions of the publicly funded urban space are being used predominantly by officials and select groups linked to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The issue follows complaints regarding deteriorating civic amenities, inaccessible recreational facilities and uneven maintenance standards across different sections of the park. Sardesai has written to the Chief Minister and MMRDA commissioner seeking disclosure of maintenance expenditure, review of access protocols and action against officials if irregularities are established.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Varun Sardesai has raised concerns over alleged restrictions on public access at City Park in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), seeking a formal inquiry into the functioning and maintenance of the publicly funded urban space managed by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). Advertisement
The issue emerged following complaints from local residents and morning walkers who alleged that sections of the park were either inaccessible to ordinary citizens or maintained disproportionately for the use of MMRDA officials and select groups. Sardesai stated that he had written to both Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the MMRDA commissioner requesting a detailed investigation into what he described as “illegal gatekeeping” of public land.
According to Sardesai, his concerns intensified after visiting the park personally and observing stark differences in upkeep across various sections. He alleged that the portion adjoining the MMRDA officials’ quarters was well maintained, with trimmed trees, clean pathways and active gardening, while several public-facing sections had deteriorated significantly. Residents also claimed that certain recreational activities and sporting events appeared to be organised primarily for officials and associated groups.
The MLA stated that the issue raised broader questions regarding public access to civic infrastructure developed using taxpayer funds. He sought disclosure of expenditure incurred on park maintenance, details of access regulations and clarification on whether any formal restrictions had been imposed on public entry. Sardesai also requested suspension of officials if any irregularities were established during the inquiry.
Residents alleged that the park’s declining public infrastructure included damaged decorative fountains, corroded metal fixtures, broken seating areas and non-functional recreational facilities. Civic users claimed that sections of the park had become unsafe and unattractive due to inadequate upkeep and lack of regular maintenance.
Local representatives further stated that several portions of the park, once intended as a major public recreational facility in BKC, had gradually become less accessible to ordinary citizens over the years. Residents argued that the deterioration of common-use areas contrasted sharply with the condition of zones reportedly frequented by officials and their families.
The controversy has renewed discussions around accessibility and accountability in publicly funded urban infrastructure projects across Mumbai. While residents have sought restoration and reopening of neglected sections of the park, responses from the MMRDA regarding the allegations and proposed corrective measures were awaited at the time of reporting.
Source- PTI
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
