Service road entry at Police Gymkhana has been blocked using barricades to protect memorial built for 26/11 martyrs; next-door gymkhanas face traffic jams
Service road entry at Police Gymkhana has been blocked using barricades to protect memorial built for 26/11 martyrs; next-door gymkhanas face traffic jams
Thanks to the barricades installed by the Marine Drive police on the service road adjoining the Mumbai Police Gymkhana barring it for public use, the adjoining gymkhanas are having traffic nightmares. According to the police, barricades have been put up to protect the memorial built to commemorate the 26/11 martyrs, which has been recently extended by landscaping a lawn next to it.
Use the next entry, please: The barricades that have been installed
to cordon off the service road at Marine Drive are causing ugly traffic
snarls incommoding the nearby gymkhanas. Pic/Bipin Kokate
Commenting on the issue, S S Bangale, SPI from Tardeo traffic police station, under whose jurisdiction the area falls, said, "We would not like anyone to drive past the memorial built for our 26/11 martyrs. Hence, barricades have been installed at the site. Those coming for marriage celebrations to the nearby grounds can use the second entry to the service road."
The contradiction
Surprisingly, when MiD DAY contacted Zunjarrao Gharal, SPI, Marine Drive police station, enquiring about the blockade, he said, "We have not blocked the entry to the service road by installing any barricades. It is the gymkhana that has blocked the road."
When questioned about the usage of barricades belonging to Marine Drive police station, Gharal said, "I'm unaware on how the barricades belonging to our police station have been used to block the service road. I will speak to the authorities at the gymkhana and get the barricades removed."
'Greatly inconvenienced'
According to an official from the Grant Medical Gymkhana, that has been the most-affected by the closure of the service road, "Since the first entry to the service road has been blocked due to extension of the memorial and the placement of barricades, we have to face severe traffic jams, especially during days when all the grounds are booked for marriage receptions."
He added, "Guests complain that they have to take a longer route to reach the venue. Besides, they are forced to park their cars elsewhere, and walk it up all the way to the gymkhana. This is being done to avoid traffic snarls."
Dharit Shah, hospitality in-charge of Wilson Gymkhana said, "With the road being cordoned off, we face severe traffic problems as the entire load of cars coming to the venue have to drive through the second entry. The problem aggravates on the days that are considered auspicious for weddings."
The other side
When Nisar Tamboli, Mumbai police spokesperson was asked on how did the police gymkhana use barricades belonging to Marine Drive police to block a public utility road, he disconnected the call.
Problem of plenty
According to the spokespersons from different gymkhanas, a minimum of 1,000 guests and 300 fill the venue whenever a wedding reception is organised at their respective gymkhanas.
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