Maharashtra Minister Advocates for Preservation of Volleyball Ground
Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha calls for alternative sites for the Orange Gate tunnel substation, opposing its placement at Girgaon Chowpatty.
Minister Lodha urges reconsideration of the substation site at Girgaon Chowpatty.
He highlights the importance of the volleyball ground for local residents and sports enthusiasts.
A joint meeting is planned post-Diwali to discuss alternative locations for the substation.
In a significant move, Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha has expressed strong opposition to the proposed use of the volleyball ground at Mafatlal Gymkhana in Girgaon Chowpatty for the Orange Gate–Marine Drive Underground Road Tunnel Project's electrical substation. During a meeting on Tuesday with Mumbai city officials and local residents, Lodha emphasized the need to preserve this public space for recreational use.
The High-Power Committee had suggested the volleyball ground as the site for the substation, but Lodha argued that there are at least two to three viable alternative locations available. He pointed to railway land across the road and a previously initiated site in the Chowpatty area as potential options that could accommodate the substation without encroaching on public recreational areas.
Lodha highlighted the significance of the volleyball ground, stating that it serves as a vital space for community engagement, with approximately 300 to 500 people utilizing it daily for sports activities. He noted that the preservation of such spaces is crucial for the well-being of the community, especially given the availability of alternative sites for the substation.
The minister also mentioned that discussions with officials from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and members of the High-Power Committee have been productive, with a consensus emerging to explore alternative locations. A joint meeting is expected to take place after Diwali to finalize the decision regarding the substation's location.
The Orange Gate–Marine Drive underground tunnel project is a key infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing connectivity and alleviating traffic congestion in South Mumbai. While Lodha supports the timely completion of the project, he firmly believes that such developments should not compromise public open spaces, which are essential for community health and recreation. Mafatlal Gymkhana, established in 1939, plays a vital role in providing sports and health facilities to thousands of citizens daily, further underscoring the importance of preserving its volleyball ground.
