Citizens Protest Proposed Redevelopment at Bandra Neville D'Souza Football Ground

Footballers, coaches, local activists and citizens gathered at Bandra's Neville D’Souza Football Ground on Sunday evening for a 'Tiranga Andolan' protesting its proposed redevelopment into an exhibition and convention centre.

The demonstration was led by Worli MLA and Mumbai Football Association president Aaditya Thackeray. Participants rallied against the move to alter the site's status, with many wearing black and carrying the national flag. Slogans such as “Maidan amchya hakkacha, nahi konachya bappacha” and “Kon bolta denar nahi, ghetlya shivay rahnar nahi” were raised during the protest.

Organisers stated that the agitation is part of a broader push to safeguard open spaces across the city, alleging that reservations for 17 such plots have been altered over the last four years. Thackeray noted that the Mumbai Football Association has maintained the ground solely for sports and never permitted political events at the venue.

Nigel Neville D’Souza, son of the late footballer after whom the facility is named, addressed the crowd to thank legal representatives, students and supporters. National-level footballer Bhumika Mane urged the public to protect playing spaces, questioning where upcoming generations would play if existing grounds are lost.

Versova MLA Haroon Khan also spoke at the gathering, describing the protest as a wider campaign against private takeovers of public spaces across the city. Khan raised concerns over other recreational sites, alleging that Andheri’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Krida Sankul—which features facilities for cricket, tennis, cycling, walking and an open gym—was being transferred to a private trust.

The dispute escalated after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation General Body approved a proposal to modify Development Plan 2034, seeking to convert the playground reservation on the 8,450-square-metre MHADA plot at Bandra Reclamation into an exhibition centre.

Following a petition filed by the Mumbai Football Association, the Bombay High Court issued an order on August 20 staying the civic body's plan to convert the ground into an exhibition or convention facility. The court is scheduled to hear the matter next on September 18.