Adit Ambani,
Campion School
Politicos don’t have a finger on the pulse of the people. Vinod Shekhar, municipal councillor from the Colaba constituency, insists that the Congress’ initiative to turn the Sabina Chandrashekar Garden Ground in Colaba into a swimming pool and a parking lot is “very popular”.
Shekhar claimed at the BMC headquarters that he has received hundreds of letters from citizens supporting this initiative. Under this plan, neighbourhood schools will lose one of the three basketball courts on the ground, and an area behind it, which is currently being used to dump debris.
He said as per development control regulations, up to 15% area of a recreational ground can be taken up for construction. He maintained that affected schools will also benefit from the BMC’s move, as their students can use swimming pool at allotted time slots.
Shekhar argued that the pool would introduce a new sport to residents of the area.
“It will give many unprivileged children access to a pool for the first time in their lives. Protesters probably have access to other swimming pools and therefore, do not understand the joy that this pool will bring to many poor children.”
