The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a tender to develop a multipurpose community centre in Juhu. The project will cost INR 189 crore and will be located beside Mithibai College just off Juhu 10th Road.
The centre will include a drama theatre, gymkhana, and parking lot. Located in a seven-storey structure, the multipurpose community facility will offer both entertainment, recreation, and basic municipal facilities. The goal is to improve public infrastructure and provide cultural and recreational facilities.
As per reports, it will have a 10,000-square-foot function hall, an 800-seat auditorium, and a 250-car parking lot. The centre will offer these facilities to residents at BMC costs. It will be constructed in accordance with international standards.
Earlier, the plan was to build underground parking in Pushpa Narsee Park. Following public opposition, a plot on Juhu was proposed. Later, the plan was expanded from a parking lot to a full-fledged community centre.
However, the East Indian and Koli communities have expressed their concerns. They believe their culture has been ignored. These groups are demanding equal land allocation for their own cultural centre.
As per a report by FPJ, representatives from the Watchdog Foundation raised these concerns in a letter to officials. The letter was sent to the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, and Municipal Commissioner.
The letter claimed that other communities, like the UP Bhavan in Bandra East, have been given land. However, the East Indians, who were among the first settlers in Mumbai, have not received similar recognition.
The letter also said that the East Indian community originally owned the land where Mumbai Airport now stands, and their land has been taken for various development projects, including industrial, railway, and defence purposes.
The letter questioned why Mumbai's original residents should face discrimination. It urged the government to allocate land for an East Indian and Koli Bhavan. The Watchdog Foundation has expressed frustration with the government's inaction.
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