A planned makeover of Sabina Chandrashekhar Playground, a recreation ground, in Colaba has sparked a turf war between the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and local footballers, with 20 clubs, coaches and players warning that replacing the natural field with artificial turf could price out poorer children, increase injury risks, and gradually restrict access to a rare public sports space.
A concreted patch at the playground in Colaba. Pics/Ashish Raje
Who uses the ground
>> 20 registered football mandals affiliated with Maharashtra’s sports department
>> Local children from the surrounding neighbourhoods
>> Students from nearby private schools without playgrounds
>> Residents claim private schools account for roughly 50-60 per cent of usage
Existing facilities
>> 1 full football pitch
>> 2 basketball courts
>> Children’s play area
Key objections
Access
>> Turf requires special shoes
>> Children currently train barefoot or in basic footwear
Costs
>> Families may not afford medical treatment for injuries
>> Players estimate serious injury treatment could cost Rs 2–2.5 lakh
Maintenance
>> No clarity on long-term upkeep responsibility
Space and control
>> Fear that natural play area will shrink
>> Upgraded ground may increasingly serve private schools
What BMC proposes
>> Beautification and infras upgrades
>> Installation of artificial football turf
>> Civil, utility works
>> Clubs say they accept improvements such as lighting, fencing, toilets and drainage, but oppose replacing the natural field
What Athletes say
Saurabh Meher, National under-19 footballer, who trained at the ground
‘We were never consulted. This field works because anyone can play here. If injuries on turf cost lakhs, who will pay for those children? We strongly suspect this development is happening to cater to nearby private schools.’
Haresh Golar, coach
‘There are concerns about how turf will function during the monsoon. On the natural ground, matches continue because the soil absorbs water and the grass remains playable. That may not be possible with artificial turf.’
Devendra Tandel, community leader
‘We have received information that the upgrade is being carried out through corporate funds used for CSR linked to a relative of MLA Makarand Narwekar, who is also related to Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar. Political representatives approached the BMC for permission, which was granted. Since this is a civic ground, stakeholder meetings must be held to understand what users actually need. We have also learned that nearby private schools seeking international status require such facilities.’
Authorities Speak
Aaditya Thackeray, Worli MLA and Mumbai Football Association president
“The stakeholders met me on Saturday and raised concerns. My primary objection is to the construction on a natural open space without consulting those directly affected. We must ask why an astroturf is needed on a ground that has served the community for years. This space has remained natural, and its character should be respected. In 2012, a swimming pool was proposed here, and I opposed it. If the project proceeds, questions will also be asked about the funding source, which is said to involve an NGO linked to leaders from the ruling party.”
Rahul Narwekar, Assembly Speaker
“I have been briefed by the BMC about this work. For several years, the civic body has received complaints from local residents about the lack of amenities. The work now underway aims to upgrade facilities for all athletes. Globally benchmarked amenities for sports such as football and basketball are being introduced. The space available for football and basketball courts will not be compromised. At present, locals have to pay to access such world-class facilities, including astroturf, at Cooperage Ground. Here, they will be available free of cost. Maintenance expenses will be covered through CSR funds, just like the development work itself. The opposition’s allegations about my family’s influence and involvement are half-baked and are misleading residents.”
