It’s a victory for citizens’ movement: Juhu residents

Residents of Juhu are thrilled with the civic body’s decision to terminate the caretaker policy agreement with the Ronson Foundation as they have been fighting for the past seven years to protect the 4.5-acre recreational ground from misuse.

Residents of Juhu are thrilled with the civic body’s decision to terminate the caretaker policy agreement with the Ronson Foundation as they have been fighting for the past seven years to protect the 4.5-acre recreational ground from misuse.

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Citizens of the Gulmohar Area Societies Welfare Group (GASWG), who have been campaigning to protect this open space in their locality, said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) decision has restored their faith in the system.

“It’s a victory for the citizens’ movement. Now, we want the BMC to make the plot open to the public,” said Ashoke Pandit, secretary, GASWG.

Residents have had several meetings with former municipal commissioners, elected representatives of their area and even former chief minister Ashok Chavan.

Locals said they wish to create a natural forest on the plot. “If asked for suggestions, we would want to plant more trees on the plot, and keep it

open for locals to use it and make it as lively as it was before the Ronson Foundation took over,” said Sanjay Hegde of GASWG.

Residents hope the municipal corporation maintains the plot and added that architects who are residents of Juhu are willing to help.