Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Mumbai Needs More Open Grounds for Protests
Shivaji Park is a large public ground in Mumbai where people play sports and gather to protest.
It is easy to reach and open for people to use.
The article says these features help protesters be seen and heard.
It also says Azad Maidan has become harder to use for protests because of barriers, policing and construction.
Some nearby residents dislike the noise and activity that large gatherings bring.
The author believes parks should remain open to everyone, not become exclusive spaces.
She says Mumbai needs more public grounds, especially in suburbs and new areas.
The idea is that accessible parks can help people meet, play and speak up.
Shivaji Park has hosted recent student protests and a rally against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The article says Shivaji Park’s size, access, transport links and open layout make it well suited to public gatherings.
It contrasts the park’s accessibility with increasing restrictions and construction pressures at Azad Maidan.
Residents sometimes object to the noise and disruption caused by protests, demonstrations and political meetings at Shivaji Park.
The author argues that Mumbai should create more accessible public grounds in suburbs and newer districts.
- Who
- Protesters, residents and other users of Shivaji Park; the article is written by Smruti Koppikar.
- What
- An argument that Mumbai needs more open public grounds like Shivaji Park, which also serves as a venue for protests.
- When
- The article refers to protests in July and a rally earlier this month; it does not specify the year.
- Where
- Shivaji Park and other public grounds in Mumbai, including Azad Maidan.
- Why
- The author argues that open, accessible grounds support recreation, public gatherings and democratic expression.
Keep public grounds open
Limit disruption to residents
Protests and public access
Keep public grounds open
The article argues that accessible, visible spaces such as Shivaji Park allow people to gather and raise questions about the present.
Limit disruption to residents
The article notes that some nearby residents object to the noise and disruption associated with protests, demonstrations and political meetings.
Managing protest venues
Keep public grounds open
The author criticizes the increasing barricading and constraints at Azad Maidan and presents Shivaji Park as an accessible alternative.
Limit disruption to residents
The article says protests at Azad Maidan are increasingly confined to a well-policed section, but does not provide a stated rationale from authorities for those restrictions.
- Shivaji Park area
- 28 acres
- Capacity described
- The article says the ground is large enough to hold a lakh or more people.
- Recent gatherings
- Student protests in July and a rally against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar earlier this month.
- Nearby rail junction
- Dadar, connected to the Western and Central railway lines.
- Other grounds mentioned
- Azad Maidan, Kamgar Maidan, Jamboree Maidan, Lal Maidan and Nare Park.
- Author
- Smruti Koppikar, an award-winning senior journalist and urban chronicler.