BMC Approves Converting Neville D’Souza Ground and Oshiwara Plots for Housing
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) improvements committee has approved altering the land reservations of over 11,400 square meters of land at the Neville D’Souza Football Ground and two adjoining plots at Oshiwara in Andheri West. The decision, made last week, clears the way for housing and other development projects on land previously earmarked for public amenities and recreational spaces.
The land-use changes involve the 10,000-square-meter Neville D’Souza Football Ground and two nearby plots in Oshiwara measuring over 1,400 square meters. According to civic records, a 1,140-square-meter plot originally reserved for public amenities like schools, hospitals, and gardens has been redesignated for a housing project. To accommodate a postal and telegraph office originally planned for that plot, a neighboring 297-square-meter plot reserved as a recreational ground has been converted for the office.
The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA), which owned the land, requested the deletion of the reservations. MHADA officials stated in a note that the redevelopment layout in Oshiwara already provides necessary planning requirements, including a playground, a municipal primary school, and a secondary school, making the land reservation change appropriate for a housing scheme.
A senior civic official defended the decision, stating that the housing project is a slum rehabilitation scheme designed to provide homes for lower-income groups. The official added that a portion of the new facility will also be reserved for open space.
However, the decision has drawn criticism from urban planners and environmentalists who are concerned about the loss of open spaces in Mumbai. Urban planner Alan Abraham noted that open spaces are a basic necessity, pointing out that around 30 percent of Mumbai's open spaces are restricted or privately owned, and nearly half are unavailable during the day. Nayana Kathpalia, a trustee of NAGAR and Oval Trust, warned that open spaces are vital for rainwater percolation to prevent waterlogging and flooding.
The changes have also impacted local sports organizations. The Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) expressed concern as they are already facing a shortage of grounds. MDFA treasurer U Bannerjee noted that the BMC has yet to return the St. Xavier’s ground in its original condition after taking it over in 2021 for an underground water tank project, leaving the association with no practice grounds.
