Mumbai: A proposal to change the reservation of a ground in the possession of Mhada near Bandra Reclamation from a playground to an exhibition centre led to heated exchanges between the ruling front and the opposition.The opposition sought that the reservation be retained as a playground, citing the lack of open spaces and reviving an old proposal for a convention complex at the site.The DP 2034 had designated the land as an existing amenity with a reservation for a playground/sports ground. However, officials and members of the ruling front maintained that the land belonged to Mhada and that it had earlier been reserved for a convention centre. They argued that the original reservation was only being implemented now. The proposal, which stated that there is currently no convention centre anywhere in the vicinity of the referred plot, was passed despite opposition from corporators belonging to opposition parties.According to the proposal, MHADA had requested the BMC to replace the existing reservation and restore the use of a convention complex on the site. Local corporator Raja Rahebar Khan, who opposed the move, questioned the need to change the reservation when there was no demand for an exhibition centre.“The land was demarcated and a boundary wall was built around it. Mhada had provided the said plot to the Mumbai Football Association and it was being used as a football ground. Besides, turfs have been created for children to play cricket. At a time when there aren’t enough open spaces and playgrounds in the city, why does the BMC want to change an existing reservation for the same?” said Khan.According to the civic body, the plot had earlier been earmarked for a convention centre. Subsequently, while preparing the DP 2034, the plot was found to be vacant and, since there was a football field there, it was designated as a playground.Congress member Ashraf Azmi questioned, “Why did the civic administration allow the change of reservation in the first place under DCPR 2034? Then why do you want a change now? As a party, we are opposed to proposals that involve a change in the reservation of playgrounds and recreation grounds.”BJP members Swapna Mhatre and Sandeep Patel pointed out that since the plot is owned by MHADA and was earlier reserved for a convention centre, there was no harm in restoring the reservation to its original status.
