On KT Nagar playground, NIT gives free space a ‘paid’ spin

Nagpur: Yet another sprawling playground and an indoor sports complex has been commercialized by the Nagpur Improvement Trust (NIT) depriving the residents of using their layout’s open space for free.
Moreover, a private operator appointed by the NIT has restricted entry of the residents to the area and also destroyed lawn tennis courts to use one of the two spaces for recreational games to generate money.
TOI on February 28 had reported about a football club using playground at Omkar Nagar in nexus with NIT officials and restricting entry of locals.
TOI had on March 2 also reported about complaints from citizens, including national-level badminton players, about NIT’s private operator not allowing them to play at indoor sports complex and playground in Swawlambi Nagar.
Ignoring all-round criticism, NIT officials have continued to hand over indoor sports complexes and playgrounds to private agencies. “Around 4-5 months ago, NIT allotted the indoor sports complex and playground in KT Nagar to Dayal Trading Works for 10 years. The civic agency will earn Rs11 lakh per annum from it,” said officials from NIT’s west division.
Dipak Wankhede, a Congress leader residing in KT Nagar, alleged NIT officials are misusing public properties, especially playgrounds, for their vested interest. “Every plot owner pays for open space and PU land of the layout. The space is meant for them and nearby residents. NIT has made it a business to construct indoor sports complexes, develop playgrounds from funds sanctioned by the government or legislators and gift it to private agencies. NIT officials have allotted large number of open spaces and PU lands to individuals or institutions,” he alleged.
NIT chairman Manoj Kumar Suryawanshi did not respond to TOI’s call and message.
Treasurer of KT Nagar Welfare Association Chandramouli said the private operator has restricted entry of residents to the area even for walking, yoga and fitness activities. “We had to fight for getting entry. I am residing here for the last 16 years. We used to walk, do fitness activities and spend time on this playground. Children and sportspersons used to play,” he said.
“The NIT had constructed the indoor sports complex, developed two lawn tennis courts etc four years ago, but kept them closed. Now, we have been asked to pay Rs6,000 per month for using one badminton court for one hour a day. Many children from our area are not getting membership and time slots even if they are ready to pay. People from other parts of the city park their vehicles in front our houses, on roads and cause inconvenience to the locals. NIT should give us free entry as it is our playground,” he said.
Posters pasted on the entrance gate and other parts of the playground read, “Entry prohibited. Entry not allowed without permission.”
There are two gates for entry to the playground. One towards the adjoining road is kept open whereas gate towards the residential area is locked, say residents.
The operator has allegedly destroyed two lawn tennis courts and developed futsal ground on one. Other one is in abandoned condition.
Wankhede said, “Futsal is a recreational activity and not a game. It should not have been allowed at all here.”
Walking track is not maintained properly. Some space towards the east side is vacant and ill-maintained. The operator is erecting a hoarding and allowing four-wheelers inside the playground. Basketball court is also not maintained properly. The operator has named the entire public premises in his name — ADBA (Ajay Dayal Badminton Academy) Sports Complex.
Refuting the allegations, Dayal said, “We have never denied entry to anyone. Gate towards the residential area is also kept open. We will develop a new lawn tennis court after monsoon. Not a single complaint has been received from locals.”
“We have facilitated various activities like badminton, table tennis, fitness, dancing class etc in indoor sports complex. Developing all facilities takes time. We have to spend on developing infrastructure, maintenance and also pay annual premium to NIT, hence charging fees. We would not have charged any fee had the government funded all expenditure,” he added.