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 -...
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has approved a proposal to change the land-use reservation of the Neville D'Souza Football Ground at Bandra Reclamation for a public convention and exhibition centre. Owned by MHADA and leased to the Mumbai District Football Association, the site will undergo statutory planning changes before redevelopment. The proposal has drawn opposition from the football community and elected representatives, while civic officials say it restores the land's original reservation.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has approved a proposal to change the land-use reservation of the Neville D'Souza Football Ground at Bandra Reclamation, Mumbai, allowing the site to be redeveloped as a public convention and exhibition centre. The decision, cleared by the civic body's Improvements Committee in the past week, follows a request from the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), which owns the land.
The ground, inaugurated in 2018, is among Mumbai's few dedicated football venues and is currently leased to the Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA). Built by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to FIFA-standard specifications, it features an artificial turf and a seating capacity of around 5,000 spectators. Over the years, it has hosted elite local league matches, exhibition fixtures and numerous football tournaments.
According to civic officials, the land was originally reserved for a public convention centre. They stated that the change in reservation is necessary because the administration cannot utilise the plot for its intended purpose without amending the Development Plan reservation. Officials also said the proposed convention centre would remain a public facility and that a portion of the site would continue to be maintained as open space.
Planning department records indicate that the Bandra Reclamation plot was previously part of the Bandra-Kurla Complex notified area before being transferred to the BMC's planning jurisdiction. Civic authorities argued that the surrounding locality lacks a dedicated convention or exhibition facility, strengthening the case for restoring the original public-use reservation.
The proposal has triggered opposition from elected representatives and members of Mumbai's football fraternity. Critics argued that replacing one of the city's limited sports grounds would reduce public open spaces and adversely affect grassroots football. The Mumbai Football Association stated that it would now have to hire alternative venues for competitions and training, increasing operational costs while limiting access to sports infrastructure.
The issue has also drawn wider attention after civic records showed that, within a week, the BMC altered reservations for more than 11,400 sq m of land across multiple sites, including the approximately 10,000 sq m Neville D'Souza plot. Opposition leaders questioned the rationale behind the changes, while civic authorities maintained that each proposal followed statutory planning procedures.
The proposal will now be placed before the BMC General Body for final approval before being forwarded for the statutory process required to amend the Development Plan. Until the process is completed, the existing land use remains unchanged, while the debate over balancing public infrastructure needs with preservation of sports facilities continues.
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
