The BMC's plan to build an extension building to the Bhau Daji Lad museum in Byculla, but the plan has run into a controversy. After the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) decided to construct a parking lot on the old playground, residents of the area have decided to fight tooth and nail with the municipality.
The BMC's plan to build an extension building to the Bhau Daji Lad museum in Byculla, but the plan has run into a controversy. After the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) decided to construct a parking lot on the old playground, residents of the area have decided to fight tooth and nail with the municipality.
Samita Naik, MNS corporator from the area, has asked for a referendum and set up a ballot box - Janmat Chahcani' (referendum) - near Byculla zoo, appealing to people to cast their vote on the issue. The three-day referendum, which started on Saturday, will continue till Monday from 10 am to 8 pm.
Naik said if the BMC says the playground plot is not reserved for the purpose, the residents want BMC to include the playground in the new development plan (DP) which is in the making.
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), which is an opposition party in the BMC, has condemned the use of two plots adjacent to the museum to build the proposed extension that includes a parking lot. The proposed building will occupy around 1.20 lakh sq ft.
In order to garner public support, the MNS has sought a people's referendum on the controversial issue. Naik said, "The ballot paper contains the voter's name, address and contact number. It also says that it has been signed without any pressure or force. We have given two options in the ballot paper: 'I want a playground in the Ranibaug Maidan' and 'A parking facility for vehicles of Bajaj Trust'. People have to choose one and mark it."
Both the plots are reportedly reserved as open spaces, but children play on one of them, and it has been set aside for the proposed building. The plots are likely to be used for the garden and parking area outside the new building.
"It is very important that people do not lose these plots. The plot on which children play is the only open space in Byculla and Mazgaon. Where will they play if the plots are taken away? Besides play, religious and social events are also held on the plots," said Naik.
The extension of the museum will house a new museum, exhibition hall, interpretation centre, art gallery, library, conference hall, and a cafe. Steven Holl Architects, a New York-based company, will design the building, which will be constructed on public-private partnership (PPP) basis.
"We will not let the open spaces go. If the BMC is still adamant on giving away the plots, we will stage protests in MNS style," said Sandeep Deshpande, MNS's group leader in the BMC.
Tasneem Mehta, managing trustee and honorary director of the museum, claimed that after the museum authorities cleaned up the whole plot - otherwise encroached by urchins and drug addicts who made it filthy - children started playing. "We will make the plot more beautiful. The municipal commissioner has also promised another playground for the children here in the area."
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