BMC puts powerboat race in tight spot

Mumbai: Hurdles before P1 Powerboat, the Indian Grand Prix of the Global Powerboat Racing Series, have further increased as the BMC has asked its event management firm to obtain necessary permission from a committee appointed by the Bombay high court for holding the event at Marine Drive, which is a heritage precinct.

In a letter written to M/s Procam International, which is organising the event, the civic body has sought permission from the HC appointed committee that consists of BMC commissioner, the city police commissioner and the chairman of Mumbai Heritage Committee. Failing to get the nod, the civic body has warned that it will take necessary action.

Procam International has organised a P1 Powerboat event at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Marg (Marine Drive) from March 3 to 5. The organisers had a sought permission from the BMC to build a set-up at the event venue.

The HC had formed the three-member committee while deciding on an open gym matter at the Marine Drive last year. It has made it mandatory to seek permission from the committee for holding any event at the heritage venue. “Any other proposal for any such activity at the Marine Drive shall also be considered by the said committee and depending upon the recommendation of the committee the BMC shall permit, prohibit or regulate such activity at the Marine Drive. The organisers have been directed to comply the HC directives,” said Kiran Dighavkar, assistant commissioner of A ward.

Its not the first time, the P1 Powerboat event has faced hurdles from the BMC. Owing to the non-payment of marathon dues, the civic body on February 2 had disrupted the official launch ceremony of the event at the Gateway of India. However, BMC officials objected to it saying the Procam International has not paid Rs 2.74 crore due to the civic body for holding the marathon on January 15. ”We are hopeful that the committee will grant us permission looking at the event,” said Arvind Reddy, co-ordinator, Procam International.