(A note on the recently refurbished Seth Tulsidas Kilachand Park, also known as The Bandstand Park). The secret to the success of big cities thriving can sometimes lie in the smaller eco systems that support it. Neighborhood parks play a very important but often overlooked function, as they epitomize the ethos of community living, a lesson our residential buildings are fast forgetting. (I blame the rampant redevelopment and lure of more FSI for this).
The Kilachand Park, was constructed in 1927 and has an iconic location facing Girgaum Chowpatty. It was a cultural landmark as the central gazebo hosted live bands, giving the area its name, of Chowpatty Bandstand. The allure of parks is special to me as they support a vibrant eco system of people of all denominations, flora and fauna. Many a birds are sighted like hornbills and kingfishers to the delight of visitors. Most stray cats and some dogs find respite here.
I applaud the BMC for how beautifully The Hanging Gardens, Kamla Nehru Udyan and August Kranti Maidan are restored and renovated in recent times. I expected similarly from the Kilachand Park when it shut down. But Alas. When the park reopened in end February I was bitterly disappointed. The previous open air gym area was demolished and also the grass garden had disappeared. In its place were a number of statues of our leaders in a circle.
Already a large part of the park ground was usurped many years ago and water tanks were installed which could have been put on stilts not occupying park land. In 2007 the park was closed indefinitely for eight years citing various reasons, until Midday ran an article in 2018 when it reopened with great fanfare and political assemblage within two days.
Do we need citizen representation on park redevelopment? This article is not a complaint or criticism but written to raise awareness and engage all parties concerned in our neighborhoods and parks, so they serve the needs of all as should be in a democracy.
(By Rajni Agarwal)
