Aaditya Thackeray Opposes Reservation Change for Bandra Football Ground
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday strongly opposed a proposal to alter the reservation of the Neville D’Souza Football Ground at Bandra Reclamation, accusing the government of systematically shrinking open spaces and playgrounds across Mumbai, including areas such as Andheri.
Speaking at a press conference, Thackeray urged Mumbaikars to assemble in the city on Sunday at 5 pm holding the Tricolour, without any political party flags, to register their protest against alleged attempts to take over open spaces and playgrounds.
The controversy follows a proposal by the Mumbai Municipal Corporation and MHADA to change the reservation of the Neville D’Souza ground from a playground into an exhibition and convention centre.
The Mumbai Football Association challenged the proposed modification before the Bombay High Court. The High Court has temporarily restrained the civic body from taking further action in the matter until the next scheduled hearing on September 10.
During hearings on the matter, the court observed that open spaces must be preserved for children and future generations, asking where children would play if public playgrounds and open spaces continue to be taken over.
Targeting the ruling parties, Thackeray alleged that the current administration is “anti-Gen Z” and targeting recreation zones across the city. He cited several locations, including an open ground in Andheri that he stated was developed during his tenure as Environment Minister and is currently used by local residents for sports.
Thackeray further alleged that 22 plots belonging to the city’s public bus undertaking BEST are being privatised, and claimed that another open space intended for a sports complex is being handed over for a petrol pump.
During the press conference, Thackeray also raised questions regarding civic spending, criticising Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde over an alleged expenditure of Rs 25 lakh on social media promotion and stating that the money being used belongs to taxpayers and Mumbaikars.
