The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is mulling over taking back the recreational ground (RG) plot at St Martin’s Road giving on lease to Bandra Physical Cultural Association (BPCA). The plot was converted into an open gym area and CrossFit centre by lessee Sandeep Khopkar, who has been a long-time resident of Bandra.
On November 2, 2020, the BMC bulldozed the illegal encroachment done on the plot. According to Khopkar, officials of BMC Bandra H-west municipal ward gave him a day’s notice to remove the gym equipment. Khopkar said, “The BMC gave a notice a day prior to remove the gym equipment. It is unfair as first of all, it is difficult to find labourers and workers to move equipment during lockdown at such a short notice.”
When Bandra Buzz visited the RG plot on November 10 post the demolition, Khopkar explained that the BMC had demolished adjoining areas of the fitness centre which was not part of the illegal encroachment. Khopkar said, “I admit that we encroached and constructed an extra shed which was illegal as per the lease rules but, why did the BMC demolish the other structures which are legal? Why did they break the entire roof and wall of the adjoining gym area which was legal and not an encroachment as per the lease rules?”
According to the BMC, local residents had complained about the RG plot being used as a private gym and fitness centre thus not being open to the common public. Asif Zakaria, municipal councillor of Bandra, said, “The land belongs to the BMC and has been given on lease for the larger use of the public. It cannot be used to open a private gym or fitness centre. As per the lease agreement, the plot should be used for recreational purposes for the common public and made accessible to local residents.”
On the contrary, Khopkar said, “I have been running an open gym and fitness centre which is open for one and all. Anyone who wants to exercise, engage in any fitness or martial arts can walk in and join. There have been so many youngsters from underprivileged families and nearby slum settlements who would come for years and exercise and try new fitness activities. We have had a lot of prodigies where many have participated and won awards at national and international competitions. I had started yoga classes for senior citizens too. The plot was and is open to residents but because it is a fitness and open gym centre, one cannot play regular sports like football, cricket or hockey on the ground.”
Zakaria added the fitness centre was charging fees when the lease fee is Re 1 per month paid to the BMC by Khopkar. Zakaria said, “The CrossFit centre has fees based on monthly, quarterly and annual sessions. The land belongs to the BMC and it cannot be used to make private profit money.” Khopkar said, “There are several trainers who learn at my gym and then go on to teach those who join. The trainers charge their own fees. Part of the fees is used for maintenance of the place, electricity supply, water bill, cleanliness and infrastructure maintenance.”
Various activities like weightlifting, power weights workout, Mallakhamb, Indian wrestling (pehlwani), yoga, martial arts and fitness were being carried out at the gym. Khopkar said “Many people would come for free or subsidised rates because they could not afford to enrol at high-end gyms and pay exorbitant fees. At a time, there would be at least 50 to 100 people working out in the open gym and fitness centre. I have learned my lesson but I am willing to fight it out as the plot has been leased to me for 60 years.”
The RG plot was leased by the BMC to Bandra Physical Cultural Association in 1986. The lease agreement was later made for 60 years continuing till 2046. The BMC had issued a show-cause notice to Khopkar on November 15, 2017, over the same issue. Currently, the BMC is in talks to take a decision to revoke the land and take it back.
