Public land in BKC turned into ‘private retreat’ for officials, claims Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Sardesai

Varun Sardesai alleged that ordinary citizens are no longer allowed free access to the park. File Pic

Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA from Bandra East Varun Sardesai has accused the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) of restricting public access to a large public park located in the heart of Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC).

In a post on X, Sardesai claimed that around five acres of valuable public land had effectively been converted into a private recreational space for MMRDA officers and their families.

According to Sardesai, the "City Park" was developed using taxpayers' money as a green space for residents of Bandra East and nearby areas. However, he alleged that ordinary citizens are no longer allowed free access to the park.

The MLA said he personally visited the location and found that entry was reportedly being allowed only through the ‘Jetwan' staff quarters used by MMRDA officials.

The Bandra East MLA further alleged that while Mumbai residents struggle to find open recreational spaces, selected officials were enjoying access to gardens, tennis courts and cricket turfs maintained with public funds.

Exclusive events

Sardesai also claimed that MMRDA recently organised exclusive sports events for officers inside the restricted premises.

Criticising the arrangement, he said public spaces in Mumbai should not become "private playgrounds" for unelected bureaucrats.

"I personally visited the park today and was shocked to see that public access is restricted through the ‘Jetwan' staff quarters of MMRDA. While the common Mumbaikar struggles to find open spaces to walk, exercise or let their children play, a select group of bureaucrats is enjoying exclusive access to sprawling gardens, state-of-the-art tennis courts and cricket turfs - all maintained using public funds," Sardesai wrote on X.

Questions Raised Before MMRDA

Sardesai demanded an immediate explanation from the MMRDA Commissioner regarding the restrictions imposed on the park.

Among the questions raised were:

- Under what authority public access to the park had been restricted?

- Why taxpayer money was being used for facilities allegedly inaccessible to the public?

- Who authorised the conversion of a public amenity into what he described as an officers' enclave?

Demand for public access

Sardesai stated that public land belongs to the people and not to a select group of officials. He called for greater transparency and accountability regarding the use of public spaces in Mumbai.

MMRDA has not yet issued an official response to the allegations.