en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has initiated a process to change the planning designation of a public football ground measuring approximately 8,450 square meters in the Bandra Reclamation area, aiming to convert it into a convention centre. The proposal to alter the land use of this plot was recently approved by the civic body's 'Improvements Committee', marking a crucial step forward for this long-pending plan.
Under the currently approved Development Plan for Greater Mumbai 2034 (DP 2034), this plot (part of CTS No. 791) was designated as an existing public amenity, specifically for a playground and a sports ground. The land is owned by the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) and was being used as a football ground by the Mumbai Football Association, which also operates an artificial turf facility on the site.
BMC officials stated that the Bandra Reclamation area was originally part of the Bandra-Kurla Complex notified area under the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), with planning powers transferred to the BMC in 2015. The basis for this re-planning is the original layout of the Bandra Reclamation area approved in 1983 — according to which, a large plot adjacent to the Bombay Art Society was originally designated for a convention complex of approximately 2.58 hectares. However, during the preparation of the DP 2034 draft, since the plot was being used as a football ground and was vacant, it was marked as an existing sports ground on the planning map. Mhada wrote to the BMC in November 2025, requesting the restoration of the plot's original planning designation as a 'convention complex'.
After review, the Development Planning department deemed the restoration of the original use justified, given the lack of convention or exhibition facilities in the area. As there is no specific use category for a convention centre in DP 2034, the BMC has proposed re-designating the plot as an exhibition centre. This change will involve the deletion of the existing reservation for a sports ground (6,897.4 sq m) and a playground (1,552.6 sq m), resulting in the re-planning of nearly 8,450 square meters of land. Under Section 37(1) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966, the BMC will next invite public suggestions and objections, hold hearings, and then submit the proposal to the state's Urban Development Department for final approval.
The proposal has sparked controversy within the civic body. Corporators from the Congress party and Shiv Sena (UBT) have criticized the move, arguing that sports ground reservations should not be removed when Mumbai is already facing a shortage of open spaces. Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator Vishakha Raut pointed out that the football ground has nurtured many national and international football players and should be preserved. "When there is already a shortage of open spaces, why should the reservation for a football ground be removed? Just as Shivaji Park is a cradle for cricketers, this ground is a cradle for footballers. The proposal should be sent back for reconsideration," she said.
Defending the proposal, corporator Swapna Mhatre from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) said there was a misunderstanding. She stated that Mhada had historically reserved this plot for a convention centre and had even built a compound wall, with funds raised by local MLA Ashish Shelar, to prevent encroachment by slum dwellers. The plot is Mhada's property, and this change is being made at Mhada's own request to restore its original use.
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