3 weeks ago

Congress, Shiv Sena Oppose Football Ground to Exhibition Centre Plan

Congress, Shiv Sena Oppose Football Ground to Exhibition Centre Plan
Mumbai: Congress, Shiv Sena UBT Oppose Proposal To Convert Neville D'Souza Football Ground At Bandra Reclamation Into Exhibition Centre · freepressjournal.in

In Mumbai, there is a big football ground called the Neville D'Souza Football Ground.

Many children and grown-ups play football there, and it helps train young players.

The city wants to change this ground into an exhibition centre where big events are held.

Some important groups, like the Congress and Shiv Sena, say this is a bad idea.

They say the ground is very important for young footballers who need a place to practice.

They also say the city already has a big convention centre nearby in Bandra-Kurla Complex.

City officials say the land was always meant to be a convention centre, so changing it makes sense.

They also want a place for exhibitions because there isn't one nearby.

Now the city leaders will decide whether the football ground stays or becomes an exhibition centre.

Key facts

Ground
Neville D'Souza Football Ground, Bandra Reclamation
Plot size
8,450 sq m
Land owner
Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA)
Current allotment
Mumbai Football Association; parts of the land covered by turf
Proposed change
Playground reservation replaced with Exhibition Centre under DP 2034
Opposing parties
Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT)
Young footballers trained yearly (per Congress)
8,000-10,000

Quotes

Yashodhar Phanse

Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator

“At a time when the youth are already facing issues like paper leaks and limited opportunities, taking away a crucial sports ground will further hurt their prospects. If playgrounds are also taken away, how will young athletes find space to train and progress?”
freepressjournal.in
“Open spaces should not be pushed into anyone’s hands. The Bandra‑Kurla Complex already has a convention centre, so there is no need to change the reservation of this playground.”
freepressjournal.in

Sources

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