Mid-Day Opinion: Don’t sacrifice playgrounds to build parking lots

Representation pic

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed an underground parking facility beneath Rajiv Gandhi Maidan in Thakur Complex, Kandivli East. A consultant will be appointed to conduct traffic surveys, simulations and geographical feasibility studies before a final decision is taken on the project's viability, said our report.

A corporator has been quoted in our report stating that locals had approached him requesting parking space. Acceding that there is a parking shortage, it is vital that the maidan remain an open space, as there is also an open space/maidan crunch in this city. Though the BMC policy does allow building single or double-basement parking beneath playgrounds and recreation grounds to reduce traffic congestion, we must put playgrounds above parking.

There can be alternatives found if possible, so that people have their open space and the citizens encased literally by concrete, have these few spaces for respite.

Though the officials did say that the maidan will be restored as is, once the parking facility is complete, such is the trust deficit, unfortunately, that people have stopped believing in these statements.

One exception, though, is the maidan/garden at Prabhadevi, which was dug up for the Siddhivinayak Metro station. That has been returned to citizens as a garden. It may not have the charm of the older garden with its many trees, but it is an open space nevertheless.

Maidans need to be protected, conserved and left as is for people to enjoy. These precious few gems are antidotes to several mental and physical health problems. Choose parks over parking.