Mumbai’s civic body is facing criticism after its decision to hand over the Gen Arun Kumar Vaidya playground at Bandra Reclamation to a private educational trust for maintenance. While officials argue the move reduces costs and ensures upkeep, several residents and activists have voiced unease about a public playground being managed by a non-government entity.
The agreement, effective since July, grants the trust responsibility for maintenance for 11 months under strict conditions set by the garden department. The terms prohibit commercial, political, or non-recreational use of the ground, which remains accessible for cricket, football, volleyball, basketball, and tennis. Despite these safeguards, concerns persist among sections of the community about whether full and unrestricted public access will continue. Activists have questioned why the civic authority, which controls one of the country’s largest municipal budgets, could not directly undertake maintenance of the ground. Some argue that if financial constraints exist, corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds could be channelled instead of involving a third party. Experts caution that precedents of caretaker arrangements in Mumbai have sometimes led to gradual curbs on citizen access, and they demand greater transparency on how many plots previously allotted under such agreements were eventually returned to civic control.
Former representatives from the area have pointed to earlier instances where residents faced inconvenience when access gates were closed, forcing them to enter through alternative routes. This has fuelled apprehensions that the new arrangement may again cause disruptions in daily use. Community voices stress that the playground has long been a shared space for sports and recreation, and any restrictions—however small—risk undermining its role as an accessible urban commons. Not all residents are opposed, however. Some believe that as long as the playground is properly maintained and citizens are not denied entry, the identity of the caretaker is secondary. With public spaces in Mumbai often under strain from high usage and uneven upkeep, they view the partnership with a local institution as a practical solution.
Officials from the civic body maintain that the policy of involving private trusts is both legal and cost-effective. They argue that a well-established educational institution has the incentive and resources to maintain the ground responsibly, and emphasise that any complaints related to access or misuse will be promptly addressed. The debate highlights the wider tension in Mumbai over the stewardship of public spaces—balancing financial pragmatism with the principles of equity, access, and accountability. As the city grapples with shrinking open areas amid dense urbanisation, every playground represents not just a patch of green, but a contested ground between community ownership and institutional stewardship.
Also Read : Mumbai Weather Brings High Humidity Patchy Rain With Moderate AQI Conditions Today
