Priyadarshani Park accused of charging huge amount to schools

Mumbai: In yet another case of misuse of open space, given to private institutes for maintenance, the Priyadarshani Park gardens at Napean Sea Road have been accused of charging exorbitant sums for using the garden space.

Following CM Devendra Fadnavis’s directives of taking back of over 200 plots, which were given under adoption policy to private organizations, the BMC, in December 2016, had issued a notice to Malabar Hills Citizens Forum, which maintains Priyadarshani Park garden, alleging violation of civic adoption policy rules for open spaces. This notice was subsequently withdrawn and the HC had told BMC to hear the association.

The Samajwadi Party  group leader Rais Shaikh in the BMC standing committee raised the issue of misuse of open space. He said that he has received complaints of one of the pre-primary schools in Nagpada being asked to pay Rs 80,000 for the use of park ground for their sports event.

“Priyadarshani Park is a public space, which has been given for maintenance to a private association. Despite this, they are charging huge amount to schools for its use,” said Mr Shaikh.  

Susieben Shah, general secretary of the Malabar Hill Citizens’ Forum, said that their association allows sports events only after receiving BMC’s permission. “We do charge money for the use of ground, but that is only for its maintenance.”she said.