The 28-acre Shivaji Park in Dadar is especially known sports enthusiasts and joggers. However, it is also used for meetings, gatherings of political parties. For this, a nominal fee of INR 250 per day is charged by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for cultural programs and other meetings for this ground.
The G North Division of mumbai Municipal Corporation has sent a letter to the Estate Department of the Municipal Corporation in August regarding the increase in this fee. It has also been mentioned in the letter that a proper policy should be decided regarding the fare hike.
An official stated that this step is crucial for ensuring the effective management and maintenance of this important public space. A few years back, the estate department had informed the local ward office about a policy under discussion for revising the fees for Shivaji Park, but no further action has been taken.
At present, Mumbai Municipal Corporation charges a fee of INR 250 per day plus GST and takes a deposit of INR 20,000 while providing space in Shivaji Park grounds for political meetings, religious and cultural events.
Now, there is also consideration of levying a deposit of INR 1 lakh or more for the Shivaji Park grounds. Damage to the ground after meetings or events is sometimes recovered from the deposit amount by the organisers.
If the fees are increased the funds can be used for proper repairs and maintenance.