Activists Urge CM Fadnavis to Cancel Open Space Allotments in Juhu and Andheri
Resident groups and activists have written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking his intervention to cancel the allotment of three reserved open spaces in Juhu and Andheri (West) to a private trust, the Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal (SVKM).
The representations were submitted by the Gulmohar Area Societies Welfare Group (GASWG) and Right to Information (RTI) activist Anil Galgali. They demanded that the three plots, covering a total of 16 acres across Juhu, Andheri (West), and DN Nagar, remain reserved as public open spaces accessible to citizens in accordance with the Development Plan.
Under the allotment proposals, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has proposed handing over the 12-acre Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sports Complex in Andheri (West) to SVKM. The trust would pay an annual rent of approximately Rs 21 lakh along with a 50 percent share in revenue generated from the facility.
Separately, the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA) has allotted two open spaces measuring nearly four acres in Juhu and DN Nagar to the trust. Among these is the Lokmanya Tilak Udyan in Juhu, which is currently maintained by the BMC and actively used by local residents.
The allotments have also been opposed by Mumbai BJP chief and MLA Ameet Satam. In a letter to the Chief Minister, GASWG argued that reserved gardens, playgrounds, and recreation grounds are held in public trust and cannot be handed over for exclusive use by a private entity.
The letter, signed by Ashok Pandit, Bharat Shetty, and architect PK Das, stated that if the BMC finds these plots inadequately maintained, the remedy is to allocate municipal funds and personnel rather than barter away public land.
Galgali demanded an immediate suspension of both proposals, disclosure of all documents and feasibility studies related to the allotments, and the continuation of BMC management to ensure unrestricted public access.
SVKM president and BJP MLC Amrish Patel denied any irregularities, stating that due process had been followed. Patel said the trust will utilize the plots to create sports facilities for 52,000 students and assured that no construction will take place. Officials including MHADA Vice-President Sanjeev Jaiswal, Chief Officer Milind Borkar, and BMC Additional Commissioner Avinash Dhakane did not respond to queries regarding the matter.
