Two years after a citizen-led movement opposing the BMC proposal to construct a parking lot under Raosaheb Patwardhan Park forced the civic body to cancel the plan, Bandra’s popular open space is set for a facelift that includes upgrading its yoga zone, garden furniture and playing area for children, said our front page report.
Officials said paver blocks and furniture are broken, and equipment is out of order. The plot where the parking lot was planned was not taken up because it is contentious.
On the anvil is a new entrance gate and security cabin. A new compound wall and furniture. There are plans for new equipment in the children’s play area and a new yoga shed. Patwardhan regulars are to get a cobbled pathway and a new/repaired toilet block. Lighting, dustbins, signage, and sheds including gym equipment is to be overhauled.
Every upgrade is welcome when necessary. Care should be taken that no open space is impinged upon when it is about parks and gardens. Overhauls and facelifts should not necessitate or be planned in such a way that any place is taken away for some reason. In a city where every inch is so precious we should not have new designs that decrease the open quotient.
Even while this work is being done we must see that the park is open to the public in parts at least. Signage must caution people about work. They must be apprised about a definite timeline which must be adhered to.
Finally, we must see the new work is of high quality so that it is long-lasting. More power to Patwardhan and our parks.