A dispute over public open space in Mulund East intensified on Saturday after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray opposed a proposal to alter the reservation of a 40,000-square-foot plot designated for a sports complex. During his visit to the area, Thackeray inspected open spaces and raised concerns over the possible diversion of the plot for a private fuel station. The disputed land, located opposite Orchid International School, is reserved for a sports facility, while an adjacent plot has been earmarked for a fuel station. The proposed change in reservation was opposed on the grounds that the sports plot should remain available for public use.
Broader concerns were also raised over Mumbai’s open spaces. It was alleged that around 17 to 18 open grounds had been taken away across the city over the past four years. Several other properties were identified as being at risk, including 22 BEST depots, two plots in Mulund, Neville D’Souza football ground in Bandra and open spaces in the Andheri-Juhu area.
A Tiranga rally was planned in Mulund on Sunday evening to mobilise residents against the alleged loss of public open spaces. Participation was sought irrespective of political affiliation, with the campaign being presented as an effort to protect playgrounds and recreational areas for Mumbai residents. The importance of retaining open grounds for younger generations was also highlighted. The BMC Improvement Committee was criticised over its handling of open-space issues, with allegations that its decisions were contributing to the loss of public areas. The rally had been announced earlier in the week.
The allegations were rejected by BJP MLA Mihir Kotecha, who represents Mulund. The claims were described as baseless, while the long-standing demand for a petrol pump in the locality was highlighted. It was stated that the facility had been sought for nearly 50 years and that efforts over the past two years had paved the way for its development.
Kotecha also maintained that the proposed petrol pump would not eliminate the sports facility. A sports complex spread across approximately 1.5 acres was expected to be developed around 400 feet from the proposed fuel station. The nearby Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Garden, extending across more than 10 acres, was also cited as an existing recreational space.
The controversy has brought the proposed land-use change in Mulund into focus, with the preservation of public open spaces emerging as the key point of disagreement. While the Shiv Sena (UBT) has opposed the reservation change, the BJP has maintained that both the petrol pump and sports facilities can coexist in the locality.
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