Colaba Woods back with BMC, residents fear Metro-III construction in park

MUMBAI: The prominent Colaba Woods garden, in Cuffe Parade, which was popular with health enthusiasts, senior citizens and children alike, has been handed back to the BMC, which is taking back over 200 open spaces given to agencies and individuals on adoption basis.
However, residents were upset that the firm which maintained the plot for over 30 years, didn’t give them a hearing before returning the garden to the BMC.They fear that the garden, located on Captain Prakash Pethe Marg, will be taken over for construction of Metro-III. Residents have in fact been involved in a tussle with the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MMRCL) on the issue.
When Tata Power adopted the plot over three decades ago, it was a refuse dump. Now, Colaba Woods is a small forest-like park with a jogging track, manicured gardens, antique benches and a small football ground. Every morning and evening, the place buzzes with health freaks, senior citizens and kids from the nearby colonies and slums. A few weeks ago, the BMC served Tata Power a notice to handover the plot.
A company spokesperson said, “Tata Power is following the orders and directives provided by the statutory authority to hand over the garden to MCGM. We wish MCGM the very best in its initiatives in maintaining a clean and green Mumbai. We would also like to thank the patrons of the garden for their support in helping maintain the garden for the last 30 years”.
Manjeet Kriplani, a resident, said, “There has been no consultation with citizens about handing over Colaba Woods to the BMC, despite our earnest entreaties to understand the accurate position. We have been fighting to save this wonderful free public garden from being made into a metro station, and to save the open spaces for thousands of citizens from the slums and adjoining buildings, especially children.”
Residents say now that the plot is back with the BMC, they are afraid construction for the Metro-III project could begin any time.