Locals divided over civic body’s move

The civic body’s of the BMC to go ahead with the fire station at Priyadarshini Park has evoked mixed reactions from residents of Malabar Hill.

The civic body’s of the BMC to go ahead with the fire station at Priyadarshini Park has evoked mixed reactions from residents of Malabar Hill.

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RB Purohit, a Walkeshwar-based activist, strongly opposed the move. "There is a major fire station at Nana Chowk, which is hardly any distance from the park. This park is the only sporting facility in the city and the proposal is nothing short of absurd.”

Members of Malabar Hill Citizens' Forum that built the park are discussing their legal options. “There is a high court injunction obtained in 2007 that the land under the park should not be touched. Even the state government has given a similar directive,” an office-bearer of the forum said.

BA Desai, president of the forum, refused to comment saying he was in a legal conference.

However, Indrani Malkani, secretary of Malabar Hill Residents Association, supported the move. “The fire station will serve surrounding areas like Napean Sea Road, Breach Candy and Malabar Hill. Considering an increase in the population, the fire station is essential,” she said.