On the morning of August 11, 2024, residents of Chandivali’s L Ward, under the jurisdiction of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), staged a protest against the purported misuse of a public amenities plot.
The plot, situated adjacent to the Woodland Heights Co-operative Housing Society on Chandivali Farm Road, was originally allocated by the developer to the BMC with the intention of serving community needs. According to local residents, instead of fulfilling this promise, the BMC appears to be misappropriating the land. This has incited concerns over potential political encroachment and the misuse of public resources. An official from the Chandivali Citizens Welfare Association expressed the community’s mounting frustration, accusing the BMC of acting without proper consultation or transparency.
He labelled the situation as a form of “land grabbing,” highlighting that the plot could be better utilised as a garden, playground, or library rather than the ongoing construction that appears to lack official oversight. The dispute intensified when residents observed a Pooja ceremony conducted by the local MLA, followed by the commencement of construction by unverified workers. This has led to fears that the space could be covertly appropriated for political purposes rather than benefiting the community. “There’s a real concern that this space will be controlled by political operatives under the guise of public welfare,” a resident noted.
Officials from Woodland Heights voiced their discontent, urging for greater community involvement in the decision-making process. They emphasised that any development should prioritise public utility over political gains. “We demand that the BMC engages residents in discussions about any developments on this land. The community needs green spaces and recreational facilities, not politically motivated projects,” one official stated.
Activists have also weighed in, criticising the BMC for frequently misusing plots intended for public amenities. They allege that such practices contribute to a broader issue of corruption, with potential financial implications exceeding INR 10,000 crore. “The misallocation of these spaces often reflects a significant scandal in Mumbai’s urban management,” an activist highlighted. The Assistant Commissioner of L Ward assured that the plot is reserved exclusively for community amenities. He confirmed that the BMC had issued a No Objection Certificate to MHADA for its development.
“We are committed to ensuring that this land is used as intended. Any deviation from the approved plans will be addressed promptly,” he stated, seeking to reassure the public of the BMC’s adherence to the designated use of the plot. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Mumbai’s residents in ensuring that reserved public spaces fulfil their intended purposes rather than becoming tools for political manoeuvring.
