Mumbai's Historic Shivaji Park Deteriorates: Cricket Legacy and Community Health at Risk

Residents' complaints to Mumbai's civic authorities continue to go unanswered as the historic ground deteriorates.

Mumbai:

Shivaji Park, once the birthplace of cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Ajit Wadekar, and Ramakant Desai, has fallen into a state that local residents now describe as "useless and hopeless." The iconic ground has suffered from years of neglect, with conditions worsening significantly in recent months. Local community members attribute this decline to inadequate maintenance, excessive political utilization, and a beautification project that dramatically backfired.

Many residents identify the failed improvement effort as a critical turning point in the park's deterioration. This project involved spreading a thick layer of compacted red soil—approximately one and a half feet deep—across the entire ground.

"It miserably failed," explained Vaibhav Rege, who represents the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Park Residents Advanced Locality Management (ALM).

"The red soil has become a health hazard. During rallies or windy days, fine particles spread through the air, causing respiratory illnesses among residents," he continued.

Community members report that the once cricket-focused grounds have transformed into a venue primarily used for non-sporting activities, including political demonstrations, religious gatherings, literary fairs, and festival celebrations.

"After every event, the park is left in ruins, with nails scattered, garbage everywhere, and the surface uneven," noted Suhas Patwardhan, who has resided in the area for many years.

Residents further claim that authorizations for public gatherings frequently exceed the limitations established by the Bombay High Court, with civic officials providing little oversight.

"Preparations begin days in advance, making the ground inaccessible, and cleaning up after these events takes just as long," one resident explained. "Vehicles drive in, leaving the ground wrecked."

The implications extend beyond mere physical deterioration. Locals indicate that certain sections of the park have transformed into centers for illicit activities, creating safety concerns particularly for women.

"For the first time, we are facing safety issues," a female resident shared. "There are drug addicts in certain corners. We really feel helpless," she added.

Despite numerous appeals to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and local representatives, residents report that their concerns remain unaddressed.

"We don't know why the BMC is not taking any steps. There's no corporator, so no one is answerable to the people," Rege stated.

Many believe the park has lost its fundamental identity as a sporting venue.

"Now it has been taken over by the political parties. Loud music, firecrackers, and stages have become the new normal," another community member remarked.

NDTV contacted Mumbai's civic administration for comment but has yet to receive any response.

What once served as a training ground for emerging athletic talent and a green sanctuary for Dadar now lies covered in red dust and political signage—a representation, according to residents, of how neglect and improper use can strip even the city's most historically significant spaces of their essential character.