MNS seeks plebiscite on converting Byculla ground to parking lot

The BMC's plan to extend the Bhau Daji Lad museum in Byculla has run into a controversy. After the civic body decided to construct a parking lot on the playground, residents have decided to fight for this open space.

MNS corporator Samita Naik has asked for a referendum and set up a ballot box - Janmat Chahcani' (referendum) - near the Byculla zoo, appealing to people to cast their vote on the issue. The referendum started on Saturday and will continue till Monday from 10 am to 8 pm. MNS has condemned the use of two plots adjacent to the museum to build the proposed building. Both the plots are reportedly reserved as open spaces, and are likely to be used for the garden and parking area outside the new building, which will occupy around 1.20 lakh sq ft.

Naik said, "The ballot paper contains the voter's name, address and contact number. It says it has been signed without any pressure. We have given two options in the ballot: 'I want a playground in the Ranibaug Maidan' and 'A parking facility for vehicles of Bajaj Trust'."

"The plot on which children play is the only open space in Byculla and Mazgaon. Besides play, religious and social events are also held on the plots," said Naik. "If the BMC is still adamant on giving away the plots, we will stage protests in MNS style," said Sandeep Deshpande, MNS group leader in BMC. Tasneem Mehta, managing trustee and honorary director of the museum, claimed that after the museum authorities cleaned up the whole plot - otherwise encroached by urchins and drug addicts who made it filthy - children started playing. "We will make the plot more beautiful. The municipal commissioner has also promised another playground for the children here in the area."