Addressing concerns about dust pollution from the red soil at the Shivaji Park precinct, municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani on Tuesday met residents and carried out an inspection of the Shivaji Park ground and its surrounding walkway. Gagrani assured the residents of Shivaji Park that a long-term solution to the problem of dust pollution from the red soil would be decided in consultation with the Indian Institute of Technology (Bombay). "We will arrive at a solution to the problem after consultation with experts in this field, and regular dialogue with citizens," Gagrani said, speaking to the media during his visit.

The BMC began laying American Bermuda grass—considered useful for sports fields that are subjected to regular wear and tear due to activities—on the ground on two test plots on June 18, covering approximately 200 sq m, as an experimental measure to curb dust pollution, in line with MPCB directives and on the basis of a report submitted by IIT-B. The results would form the basis of a feasibility report to be submitted to the MPCB. Based on its findings, the civic body had decided to take a call on whether to extend grass turfing across the entire ground.

Gagrani on Tuesday said, "There are some residents of the area who have insisted that laying grass at Shivaji Park cannot be a sustainable long-term solution to the pollution problem, considering the other activities that are permitted at the ground, such as public gatherings. IIT-B is studying the issue. We will take a call about the issue on the basis of the conclusions of experts." The Bombay High Court has permitted the use of the Shivaji Park precinct for public gatherings for up to 45 days annually.