Mumbai: The Lokhandwala Joggers Park Association (LJPA) has successfully concluded its long-standing campaign against the encroachments in the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Joggers Park.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued a formal order to the owner of the unauthorized gurudwara, demanding its removal within 15 days due to lack of proper permissions. Failure to comply will result in demolition at the owner’s expense. The dispute began last year when over 700 residents voiced concerns about the transformation of a section of the park into a gurudwara and a langar (free kitchen), which they claimed disrupted the park’s secular ambiance and obstructed pathways for joggers. The gurudwara and langar were established during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide food to the needy, with the caretaker’s cabin being repurposed as a religious site.
Despite the noble intentions behind the langar, residents argued that the increase in religious activities infringed upon the park’s intended use as a public recreational space. The LJPA, representing the collective interests of the park’s users, petitioned the BMC to restore the park to its original purpose. The BMC’s speaking order cited the absence of necessary permissions for the religious structures, thereby classifying them as illegal encroachments. The directive mandates the removal of these structures within a 15-day window, failing which the BMC will undertake demolition and charge the costs to the owner.
This decision marks a significant victory for the LJPA, which has been steadfast in its efforts to maintain the park’s secular and recreational integrity. The association highlighted the importance of preserving public spaces for communal use, free from unauthorized religious or commercial activities that impede accessibility and enjoyment for all residents. The resolution of this issue underscores the BMC’s commitment to upholding regulations and ensuring that public spaces remain open and accessible to all citizens. The LJPA’s success in this matter sets a precedent for similar community-led initiatives aimed at protecting and preserving public amenities.
