Shiv Sena UBT MLA demands enquiry into restricted public access to BKC City Park

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Varun Sardesai has demanded a high-level enquiry into the ‘shocking’ restriction of public access to the BKC City Park allegedly imposed by MMRDA officials. Sardesai wrote to CM Devendra Fadnavis, saying the public park built and maintained using taxpayers’ money cannot be converted into a private recreational space for a select group of bureaucrats and their families.“Those responsible for using public funds for the maintenance and upkeep of a garden that is being used exclusively by families of a few officials must be suspended immediately pending an enquiry. Public land belongs to the public,” Sardesai said in a post on X.MMRDA did not respond to the allegations.“A nearly 5-acre ‘City Park’ situated in the heart of BKC, developed using public funds as a green recreational space for the citizens of Mumbai, has allegedly been converted into an exclusive facility accessible only to MMRDA officers and their families residing in the Jetwan staff quarters. During my visit to the park, I observed that Public access is effectively restricted. Taxpayers’ money is being used to maintain and upkeep the garden and sports infrastructure. Premium recreational facilities, including tennis courts and cricket turfs, have been developed but remain inaccessible to ordinary citizens. Exclusive sports events for MMRDA officers have reportedly been conducted within the premises,” Sardesai said in his letter to CM Fadnavis.