01 April,2011 11:13 AM IST | | Rinkita Gurav
Forbid residents of Hemprabha building, who enjoy a good view of the Wankhede Stadium from their terrace, from venturing atop, foiling their plans for the final
The residents of Hemprabha building, who enjoy a good view of the Wankhede stadium from their terrace, will not be able to watch Saturday's grand finale from there. Cops have told them to stay away from the terrace as part of the strict security arrangements.
The view of the stadium from the terrace of Hemprabha Building
MiD DAY had earlier reported ('Watch World Cup here for free!', February 12) about the vantage point on the building's terrace that affords its inhabitants a free view of the revamped stadium in plain sight from the terrace's eastern side.
The residents used to organise get-togethers on the terrace for themselves and their guests ahead of any match there.
The last two World Cup matches at the stadium between New Zealand and Canada, and New Zealand and Sri Lankau00a0were enjoyed byu00a0 many from this conveniently-positioned terrace. And they expected to do the same for the Cup's climax. But the amplified security arrangements have played a spoiler for their grand plans.
Residents unhappy
Jyoti Ashar, a resident of the building, said, "This is saddening. We could always watch matches at the stadium from the terrace. It's always been like that. And now, with the police forbidding us at the last moment from going to the terrace, we cannot." They were informed about the decision last afternoon.
Police personnel have been deployed outside every building along the Marine Drive stretch, and even on their terraces.
Said the manager of the building, requesting anonymity, "The police have clearly told me not to allow anyone up on the terrace. There are 4-5 personnel manning the terrace itself."
One of the constables guarding the terrace said, "Although I would be able to see the game live from the terrace, I have to be alert and carry out my duty of keeping an eye on everything."
Sanket Kamat, a first-floor resident, rued, "The privilege of living here is that we get to see the matches with family members and friends for free, without much interruption.
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But that option is not there for the biggest match that everyone has been waiting for." He added that one of his friends from Dubai had planned to fly down to watch the match. "I don't know what to do about it," he said.
Added Ashar, "If they had told us earlier, we would have booked the tickets. Right now there is nothing we can do. We cannot enjoy the match from the terrace that we own."
Another dispirited resident, living on the fourth floor, said, "I can see a bit of the stadium from my window but I am still upset as we cannot go out of our houses after 10 am on the day of the match. The police have instructed us to follow their directions."
Cop speaks
ACP Iqbal Shaikh (Colaba Division) said, "It is necessary to implement the step as a security measure. We have asked all the residents not to venture out unless necessary and not to go on the terrace."
