Inddian Express 05.05.2010
Sena-ruled BMC snubs MNS, will renovate Shivaji Park
Express News Service Tags : corporation, BMC snubs MNS Posted: Monday , Apr 05, 2010 at 0421 hrs
The BMC has decided to go ahead with the proposed beautification of the iconic Shivaji Park in Dadar, a pet project of the ruling Shiv Sena but opposed by its rival, the MNS.
The plan will be carried out with or without opposition, said Mayor Shraddha Jadhav, a Sena corporator.
Workers of the two parties had nearly come to blows on Friday during a meeting organised by the MNS, whose leaders say local residents don’t want renovation.
“Earlier too locals opposed construction of a toilet near the grounds, but now everyone uses it. Redevelopment is the need of the hour as tiles on the walkway have become uneven at places and the parapet requires strengthening,” the Mayor said.
Local MNS MLA Nitin Sardesai, who arranged the meeting with civic officials and residents of the Marathi-dominated locality, said residents feel there is no need for such a structure on the ground as the proposed murals on the periphery will restrict entry. “The objections and feelings of local residents should be considered,” he said.
Sena MLA and corporator Ravindra Waikar told residents that the murals would neither harm anyone nor reduce entry or exit points. “The digging at the entrance, which the locals have opposed, is for piling work for the murals. In no way will entry be restricted,” he said.
The BMC has now put the project plan on display for residents.
Inaugurated as a public playground in 1927, the 27.91-acre ground is one of the largest open spaces in the city and holds historical importance for the Shiv Sena, which launched itself from here.
The BMC plans to renovate the parapet and walkway surrounding the ground which is widely used by students, senior citizens, locals and revellers. To provide a unique identity to Shiv Teerth, as the ground is called by the Shiv Sena, two murals of Shivaji, one depicting his coronation and one showing him riding an elephant, will be installed at the entrance. The redevelopment and beautification will be carried out in three phases at a cost of Rs 6.35 crore.
Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray had said, “It was my idea as there is nothing apart from the Shivaji statue in the park to give information about Shivaji or Maharashtra. We are determined to install the murals as Sena’s journey began there.”
