Navi Mumbai: Complaint over misuse of civic garden for a private function

NAVI MUMBAI: City activists have complained to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) about the misuse of a municipal garden in Nerul Sector 21 for a private function on Saturday night.
"The locals were surprised and rather shocked to see a grand stage set up at the Renuka Acharya civic garden on Saturday, and also several chairs placed inside. There were also extra bright lights installed there, along with a giant electronic screen behind the stage. I have complained to the NMMC that this is a private haldi kumkum event organized in the municipal garden, which is illegal," said activist Anarjit Chauhan.
He has also questioned as to how the organisers of the private function got the extra lights installed in the garden for this event, which was also attended by several local politicians.
When TOI contacted the deputy municipal commissioner (gardens), Nitin Kale, he said: "I will have to check and inquire about any private function being held inside that garden. The artificial rock climbing facility was inaugurated at this garden earlier in the day (Saturday). But, I am not aware of any other private function held there."
The popular BJP MLA Ganesh Naik was also seen visiting the civic garden at around 7.30 pm and sitting on the stage.
"The municipal elections are just around the corner, and so such private functions are being held by misusing public gardens in order to gain cheap popularity," further alleged Chauhan.