Bandra Bandstand Garden Shut, MMB Inspects

A recent inspection by the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) has confirmed that the Central Garden on the Bandra Bandstand promenade in Mumbai is being consistently shut, denying public access during its stipulated visiting hours.

The issue came to light after Shiraz Ahmed, founder-director of the Humanity World Foundation, wrote to regional port officer Captain C. J. Lepande, highlighting that the garden was being kept locked for major parts of the day by the Bandra Bandstand Residents Trust (BBRT).

The inspection, carried out on July 23 by the Bandra Port Inspector, revealed that security personnel employed by the trust have been keeping the public facility locked and denying entry to visitors, senior citizens, and families with young children.

In his letter dated July 21, Ahmed questioned whether the MMB had officially authorized the BBRT to regulate access or lock the gates, demanding certified copies of any legal provisions, notifications, or policy agreements granting such authority.

The Port Inspector's official report confirmed the activist's allegations, noting that security personnel appointed by the BBRT had actively locked the main entrance gate, keeping the public garden closed.

Although a noticeboard displayed outside by the BBRT specified fixed daily hours for children and citizens, ordinary members of the public were systematically turned away even during those designated open hours.

The MMB is said to be working on extending the time limit and ensuring that the new timing for garden access is strictly maintained.

According to internal sources, the maritime authority is also planning to take action against the residents' association for closing the public place for citizens.

The Central Garden on the Bandra Bandstand promenade is a public space meant for the benefit and enjoyment of all citizens without discrimination.

Restricting public access without lawful authority defeats the very purpose of maintaining such public space, as stated by Ahmed in his letter.

The MMB's decision to extend the time limit and take action against the residents' association is a step towards ensuring that the public garden is accessible to all citizens during its stipulated visiting hours.

This move is expected to benefit the local community, including senior citizens and families with young children, who can once again enjoy the public garden without any restrictions.

The incident highlights the importance of public spaces being accessible to all citizens, and the need for authorities to ensure that such spaces are maintained and regulated in a fair and transparent manner.

In conclusion, the MMB's inspection and subsequent decision to extend the time limit and take action against the residents' association is a positive step towards ensuring that the Central Garden on the Bandra Bandstand promenade remains a public space that is accessible to all citizens.