Shivaji Park residents have demanded a clear long-term turf maintenance plan from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), raising concerns about water sourcing, upkeep costs, funding sources, restoration after political rallies, and the status of the R4 crore rainwater harvesting system, which included 35 wells around the park. They’ve also questioned why BMC has refused to remove the red soil, despite a clear directive from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) in January 2025.

 Workers install grass sheets on a trial basis at Shivaji Park. File Pics/Atul Kamble

BMC began laying grass 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. The results will be studied, and a feasibility report will be submitted to MPCB within a month. Based on the findings, the civic body will decide whether to extend grass turfing across the entire ground. The Bombay High Court has permitted the use of the Shivaji Park precinct for activities other than sports for up to 45 days annually.