The police and the BMC will now conduct joint drives and surprise inspections in city gardens and open spaces after complaints surfaced that these areas are being misused by drug peddlers and anti-social elements. The action comes after several MLAs raised concerns in the state assembly, saying parks meant for families are being used for drinking and illegal activities, making them unsafe for senior citizens, women, and children.
MLA’s concerns
Shiv Sena MLA Dilip Lande raised concerns over the safety of citizens in public gardens and open spaces, claiming that the situation has worsened due to negligence by the BMC and the police. He alleged that many gardens have been taken over by drug addicts and anti-social elements, and said the authorities are not doing enough to tackle the problem.
Problem across Mumbai
Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi, while taking part in the debate, said the problem is not limited to a few areas but is spread across Mumbai. He claimed that even auto rickshaws parked on roads are now being used as new spots for drinking liquor and consuming tobacco and other banned substances.
Enhance security
BJP Mumbai unit president and MLA Ameet Satam demanded that the government conduct a proper audit of all open spaces and public gardens in the city. Another BJP MLA, Manisha Choudhary, said that in some large gardens spread across several acres, there is only one security guard. She said one person cannot manage such a big area and called for more guards. Members on the floor of the house demanded better-trained security staff instead of just a single watchman.
On-ground drive and surprise visits
Minister Shambhuraj Desai, responding to the concerns raised in the assembly, said that a meeting of senior police officials and BMC authorities will be held after the state budget session to discuss the issue and work out a solution. He further mentioned that the BMC and police will be asked to start a joint operation to inspect every garden and open space. Along with surprise visits, police personnel will also patrol in plain clothes to keep a close watch.
The minister further suggested that if required, apart from existing security guards, the administration may consider deploying additional security from the state government’s guard force, which includes retired military personnel, as they are better trained to handle such situations.
Gardens in city
Total No of gardens 895
Suburban Mumbai 634
Data (approximate number of gardens/open spaces)
