Playground concretization went against HC directives

Nagpur: The playground at Priyadarshini Colony, behind Nagpur City RTO office, was concretized and covered with paver blocks to turn it into a parking lot. The work was done with MLA funds of West Nagpur MLA Sudhakar Deshmukh by Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), despite orders by the Nagpur bench of Bombay high court in three PILs against using or converting playgrounds for any purposes other than playing.
NMC sources told TOI some residents of Priyadarshini Colony wanted paver blocks laid on the playground for parking purposes. “Some residents are using the playground for parking for last many years. Therefore, they requested co-opted corporator Nishant Gandhi and Deshmukh to lay paver blocks on the playground,” sources said.

Many children and senior citizens use the playground for playing football, cricket and walking every day. The playground also has an open stage for cultural and religious programmes.

However, the type of work done by the civic body indicates that the intention was to convert the playground into a parking place. Around 3-4 inch thick cement concrete layer was laid first, followed by a layer of gravel, and then paver blocks on top. The only reason for cement concrete below paver blocks was to prevent breakage of blocks during parking and movement of four-wheelers. However, NMC cannot convert the playground into parking place, so it executed the work in the name of laying paver blocks, which is allowed on walking tracks in grounds.

Deshmukh and Gandhi refused to comment directly on the question whether the intention was to convert playground into parking place. “You investigate and find out for what purpose the so-called playground was being used by residents,” Gandhi told TOI.

The two public representatives also avoided replying to the question whether entire area of a playground should be covered with paver blocks. Gandhi said, “Local people came to me and requested paver blocks. I just forwarded the demand to Deshmukh.”

Gandhi added that people had also demanded repair of the compound wall and beautification of the playground, and it was to be taken up in next phase.

Deshmukh said, “I don't know for what purpose the people wanted paver blocks on the playground. Gandhi and some people came to me and requested for funds to lay paver blocks, and I approved it. But no one opposed it during bhoomipuja, and also while works were going on at the spot,” he said.

Activist Akshay Samarth, also an advocate, said it is clear contempt of HC if public representatives and NMC wanted to convert the playground into a parking place. “It is the only playground available in the area with around 300 flats. Where will children go to play and citizens walk,” he questioned.

Also, NMC has kept the cost of the work order just below Rs25 lakh to avoid taking approval from the standing committee. The cost of the work was Rs24,97,555.

IN A NUTSHELL

* Priyadarshini Colony has only one playground in complex of around 300 flats

* Children use playground to play cricket, football, citizens use it for walking and recreational activities

* Some residents also parked four-wheelers in the playground, and wanted paver blocks laid in playground

* Co-opted corporator Nishant Gandhi requested MLA Sudhakar Deshmukh for funds to lay paver blocks on playground

* Deshmukh approved Rs25 lakh from his MLA fund

* NMC laid 3-4 inch layer of cement concrete followed by layer of gravel and paver blocks