Mahalaxmi racecourse must remain green

Indian Derby contenders Fynbos (left) and Baychimo. Pic/RWITC

One more memorable Indian derby is done and dusted at Mahalaxmi. Every time the blue riband of Indian racing is run, it throws the spotlight on the very turf that it is contested on - SoBo's green emerald that glows like a bright green light in the heart of every Mumbaikar.

We just do not know how many derbies we will see in this Mahalaxmi avatar. The state government has given the green light to a Central Park within the environs, and there have been numerous reports about the racecourse's appearance changing, with work slated to commence this year.

Leaders have promised to let the space stay green, and in fact, to increase greenery. This promise must be sacrosanct. We cannot say it enough - preserve the racecourse as an open, green space. Do not allow it to be ‘commercialised', though one has promises that it will not, we once again wish to say that greenery, whether it be in the form of a park or whatever, open and green, is the real gift to the city.

The racecourse paraphernalia has several heritage features, grand, old stables, the magnificent weighing room and more. Preserve these and show respect for them, even as you go about transforming this space and making it, as you claim, more accessible to people.

Let the status quo be maintained at this vast, open space, which means it may change appearance, but it should continue to be the lungs of the city, delightful in these months when the air is a little nippy, and providing succour from the brutal heat.

We need not regret that the race course has been ‘given away' like the disappointed say. In fact, surprise your citizenry, delight them and bring everybody joy through enhancing the green space. Do not install concrete and soulless steel. This is the city's space, and it needs to be treated with respect and a regard for people's wishes, too.