Mumbai: The BMC’s decision to hand over Gen Arun Kumar Vaidya playground at Bandra Reclamation to Mumbai Educational Trust (MET) for maintenance over a period of 11 months has been opposed by some locals and activists, who have questioned the need for handing over a playground by BMC to a private party for maintenance. However, some locals point out that as long as citizens have full access and the ground is maintained properly, it does not matter if it is maintained by a private party.The playground has been handed over to MET for maintenance from July 1 by BMC garden department who imposed conditions—the plot cannot be used commercially or for political or similar purposes. Activist Zoru Bhathena said “Why does the BMC not see to the maintenance of the ground themselves? If funds are a problem, BMC can use CSR funds. Why are you allowing a third party to take possession of the land?” and added, “BMC should tell us how many of those who have taken plots on caretaker basis, handed it back.“Former corporator Raja Rahebar Khan also questioned the need for BMC to hand over the ground to MET. “BMC has handed over the ground to MET earlier too. There have been instances in the past, wherein the gate from Chapel road was closed and citizens had to enter from another gate causing them inconvenience. Games such as cricket, football and volleyball, apart from tennis and basketball, are played on the ground. Our demand is that there should be no change with regard to citizen’s access to the ground or timing of access to the grounds,” said Khan.Vidya Vaidya, a resident of Bandra (W), said “As long as citizens have full access to the ground without any restrictions and the ground is maintained properly, it does not matter who holds possession of the ground.”A BMC garden department official said “The ground has been handed over to MET as per BMC policy and it helps the civic body save funds that is spent on maintenance of the ground. In fact, MET has been in possession of the ground earlier till 2016. Besides, MET is a local educational institution, so it is expected they will maintain the ground well for locals. If there are complaints regarding access or other issues, they will be resolved by BMC.“
