In the midst of a wave of urban beautification projects sweeping through the city, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has now turned its attention to the iconic Shivaji Park in Dadar. This latest development was spurred by a recent visit from Member of Parliament Rahul Shewale, during which he unveiled a comprehensive plan to revamp the beloved park. The proposed enhancements encompass a wide range of changes, including measures to combat pollution and dust, the installation of smog towers, and the addition of impressive new features like the country's tallest tricolour flag. However, these beautification plans have not been without controversy, as concerns arise regarding their impact on the park's historical and recreational significance.
In continuation of the series of urban enhancement initiatives within the city, the BMC has now turned its attention to the renowned Shivaji Park in Dadar. This development comes in the wake of Member of Parliament Rahul Shewale's visit to the park on Tuesday morning, during which he unveiled a series of plans for its rejuvenation.
Foremost among these announcements was the installation of smog towers in the park to combat the dust pollution generated by the loose red soil previously deposited there. In response to this, the BMC revealed on Saturday that it was irrigating the park with approximately 2.9 lakh litres of water daily from its 35 ring wells, aimed at augmenting greenery and curbing pollution. Additionally, misting machines were being employed, with the BMC suggesting a permanent solution was on the horizon.
As part of its beautification project, the municipal body disclosed its intentions to house the country's tallest tricolour flag at the park, enhancing the grandeur of government celebrations on Independence Day and Republic Day. The Samarth Vyayam Mandir, where 'malkhamb' is practiced, and the Scout Guide Hall will also undergo renovation to imbue them with a 'heritage look'.
Electric lighting will be introduced, and seating arrangements will be revamped to align with the envisioned scale, as stated by the BMC. It was further noted that Shewale had consulted with MNS Chief Raj Thackeray, who resides adjacent to the park, for input.
It's worth noting that the BMC's endeavour to increase the park's greenery faced criticism in 2021, particularly from the BJP, due to cost and other factors. A BMC official explained that, following the backlash, the grass-growing project was suspended, leaving the red soil in place.
The official remarked that restarting the grass plan today would necessitate some areas to remain devoid of grass, specifically for sports like kabaddi and kho-kho, and the park would have to be closed for a month for the grass to thrive. Opponents of the beautification plans, including Prakash Belwade from the Shivaji Park Residents Association, strongly objected, emphasizing that Shivaji Park is primarily a sports ground, not a garden.
Belwade expressed concerns that the BMC's successive projects risked erasing the park's heritage and history, emphasizing the need to preserve rather than embellish the park.
He supported the renovation of the Samarth Vyayam Mandir but advocated preserving the original appearance of the Scout Hall. Additionally, he stressed that none of the beautification projects, such as the smog towers, should encroach on the existing land of Shivaji Park.
The beautification project at Shivaji Park in Dadar represents a complex interplay of urban development, preservation of heritage, and the desire to enhance public spaces. While the BMC's intentions to combat pollution and create a more vibrant park environment are commendable, they have generated mixed reactions from the community. The ongoing debate highlights the need for a balanced approach that respects the park's historical significance while also addressing contemporary environmental concerns.
This story was earlier published in the Hindustan Times
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