‘No concrete structures to be built at Five Gardens’

Local corporator Raghunath Thawai talks about the controversy over the beautification of Five Gardens and its current status.

Local corporator Raghunath Thawai talks about the controversy over the beautification of Five Gardens and its current status.

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What is the status of the revamp?

The whole plan was stopped because of misconceptions. Some citizens complained to the Heritage Committee that the plan was reducing the greenery. We have convinced the Committee that no concrete structure will be built and that everything was being done according to their guidelines. This took three months; we will get their green signal soon.

What were the misconceptions?

The BMC built a walkway in one of the gardens. The purpose was to ensure that senior citizens could walk easily even during the monsoon, but people said we were reducing the green space.

What difference will the revamp bring about?

Each garden will have specific sections, like for children, senior citizens, small groups that can hold smaller meetings. We also plan to introduce the concept of well-known music bands playing once a week or fortnight.

What about the old plan for ice rinks, food courts and entertainment centre?

This plan by former corporator Govardhan Chouhan was opposed by everyone as we want the place to be open and accessible to all.