Mumbai: Trust in trouble for misusing playground at Kandivli

The turf at Savitribai Phule playground at Kandivli West Link Road

Controversy surrounds a half-acre Mumbai Housing and Area Development Board (MHADA) owned reserved plot at Kandivali West Link Road, of being allegedly utilised for commercial purposes and the common man denied access to the open space.

The Footprints Academy. Pics/Anurag Kamble

The plot, Savitribai Phule playground, was allegedly developed by Vijay Girkar, an MLC and former minister for social justice, under the name of Panchsheel Pratishtan trust by spending R10 lakh from public funds to construct a health club and a netted cricket area, allegedly without mandatory permissions.

On a complaint by activist Reji Abraham, president of United Association for Social Educational and Public Welfare Trust, MAHADA issued a notice on February 15 to Panchsheel Pratishtan to explain the alleged irregularities or face action under MRTP.

"The irregularities were first brought to the notice of the District Planning Officer in October 2019 along with photographic evidence. They deputed an executive engineer for a site inspection. His report pointed out that the gymnasium and the open space in front of it was being used for commercial purpose plus an unauthorized cement sheet shed of 7x127 feet height had been constructed near the entrance of the gymnasium [mid-day has the copies]," alleged Reji.

He alleged Girkar has built a boundary wall on the playground reserved plot to separate it from the adjacent recreation ground reserved by MHADA.

"Additional funds were allocated to build a ground-plus-one-storey health club. The construction was undertaken by MHADA, but before any official handover, it was encroached by Panchsheel Pratishtan, which illegally sub-leased it to Footprints academy that is currently charging huge sums from its members. The turf outside is charged thousands by the hour for cricket and football matches. This cannot happen without the involvement of higher authorities," Reji alleged. This newspaper has copies of all the documents.

A MAHADA official said action was being taken. "During our site visit, we found that the structure built on the open space had exceeded the stipulated limit. There has been a delay in our action as we are currently short-staffed owing to COVID."

Deputy Collector Jeevan Galande said they had given permission only for a park and children's play area. "We have taken note of the turf, inside the netted area, which has been built before taking any NOC and propose to have it removed," he said.

Girkar said the BMC has initiated the demolition. "We have stopped all activities and have applied for all requisite permissions for the turf. The entire objective for developing the plot is to ensure that the children have access to playgrounds, which are fast diminishing in the city. We will be charging nominal annual fees for the gym and we have no intention of using it for commercial gains. It is run by our trust and no third-party interest has been created."

0.5 acre
Size of the reserved plot