No Hyde n seek,3 major city maidans to remain playgrounds….Yogesh Naik
State rejects proposal to turn Central,Oval and Cross maidans into gardens inspired by Londons Hyde Park and NYCs Central Park
State rejects proposal to turn Central,Oval and Cross maidans into gardens inspired by Londons Hyde Park and NYCs Central Park
The State Government and the Mumbai Transformation Unit have abandoned their plans to set up a sprawling garden integrating Azad,Cross and Oval maidans,inspired by New York’s Central Park and London’s Hyde Park.It has now decided to let them remain as maidans and not a manicured,sculpted garden.
“There are too many cricket clubs and sports associations which function here.People need a ground to play.While the state intends to add a little to the greenery,the maidan like ambience will be maintained,” said a government officer.
The idea to create a green space that could rival some of the world’s best gardens first came up at a meeting between then Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and a group of prominent citizens who were invited to give their views on the Mumbai Makeover project.
Five senior IAS officers and members from several NGOs have deliberated over this plan for the last few months.The initial plan was to push the existing buildings on the green stretch underground and recommended restrictions on sporting activities on the three grounds.
Fearing a backlash from the sports bodies,the government decided to retain the maidans for cricket and other sports.
Spread over 82 acres,the Azad maidan near CST is the largest with 35-acre expanse,followed by Oval at 27.5 acres and Cross Maidan at 19.5 acres.A few years ago,the Oval was funded by residents association for a beautification programme.
* A few years ago,the Oval was funded by residents association for a beautification programme