Civic body to restrict cultural programmes at Shivaji Park

Sena leader Manohar Joshi led a delegation asking the civic administration to restrict the use of the ground and avail it only for sports and political functions.

Stating that regular permissions to social and cultural functions was a violation of the civic guidelines for open spaces,Joshi threatened to launch agitations if the permissions were not denied. He also said that the orgainsers spoil the ground and this creates problems for players. The ground may be used for conducting political rallies and functions along with sports activities.

Municipal Commissioner,Jairaj Phatak on Friday said that BMC was keen to maintain Shivaji Park as a sports ground. “Barring a few important functions we will not give permissions for other programmes: social or cultural,” he said.

“We have started curtailing and even denying permissions to organisers since last year,” he added referring to Aamba Mahotsav (mango festival) which was held in a ground at Lower Parel,after the organisers were denied permission to hold the event at Shivaji Park.

Phatak said that the residents’ views regarding Shivaji Park needs to be respected and the BMC will fully support it. “Many a time organisers have permission from state government to hold functions at Shivaji Park. In such situations,we cannot do much,” he said.

The civic administration has assured that even other civic grounds will be maintained for sports activities and permissions for other functions will be curtailed and granted as per rules and regulations.