BMC's proposal for Mahalaxmi Racecourse receives majority support

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) proposal to transform a part of the Mahalaxmi Racecourse into a “theme park” has received a go-ahead as a majority of members of the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) gave their nod to the proposal. Between January 29 and 30, a total of 708 members voted, out of which 540 of them supported BMC’s proposal, while 168 were against the proposal.

The Mahalaxmi Racecourse was built in 1883 on a sea-facing land parcel, modelled on the Randwick Racecourse of Sydney. The land parcel was donated by Sir Cursow N Wadia, which was later taken over by the then city’s municipal authorities and subsequently the RWITC was allowed to continue operations after paying a lease fee. The RWITC is the parent body of the racecourse, while the land is jointly owned by the BMC and state government and has been leased out to the RWITC since 1914. The last lease agreement had expired in 2013, and for more than a decade now, the lease was not renewed by the authorities.

However, in January this year, the BMC proposed that the lease of the racecourse would be extended on the condition that the club hands over 120 acres of the 211-acre racecourse to the BMC. The BMC plans to create an open green space in the 120-acre plot, which will have pathways, walkways and sitting areas for visitors. Besides, the BMC has also proposed creation of an underground subway that will connect the plot with the upcoming 175-acre green open space being created in the reclamation of the Mumbai Coastal Road Project (MCRP). The reasoning behind the BMC’s proposal is that it wants to make privately owned and often unused green spaces accessible to citizens.

The current chairman of RWITC confirmed to the press that that race tracks, helipad, grandstand, which is a Grade II – B heritage structure and some of the horse stables will stay under the 91-acre portion remaining with the racecourse while the remaining 120-acre plot will house the jogging tracks, some of the stables, the parking area and portion of the lawn.

He also confirmed that the BMC will be renewing the 30-year lease contract with the RWITC along with granting permission to build a new clubhouse. This new structure will provide a recreational facility for members while repair work continues in other parts of the premises. The BMC does not intend to add additional charges once the lease has been renewed.
Members do not appear to have much clarity on the BMC’s plans for the grounds, stating that they are yet to see a clear blueprint for the project. This has raised concerns amongst some, including activists who have requested for public consultations on the plans given that it entails some of the largest green covers in the city.

Next (CIDCO unveils Ulwe and Kharghar Coastal Road projects)

BMC's proposal for Mahalaxmi Racecourse receives majority support

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