MCC playground policy by month-end

Under the direction of High Court regarding framing guidelines on the use of public grounds, MCC developed this policy in response to the unscientific use of playgrounds as many have been used for parking vehicles, the prevailing confusion about its administration, illegal encroachment and to check nefarious activities.

Guidelines

The main guidelines include demarcation and documentation of playgrounds, earmarking the property as MCC land to avoid encroachment, appointing security personnel and fencing the ground. The guidelines will also not permit permanent structures to be constructed on the playground.

The playground will also help MCC to collect revenue as it can be rented with first preference given to government sponsored programmes. Private associations can also rent the ground on a three month advance booking basis.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, MCC Commissioner Dr K N Vijayprakash said that playground policy will help in productive utilisation and revenue generation. The guidelines have been framed in consultation with SDM College of Business Management, Srinivas College of Business Management and other professional consultants. Research and study has been applied in framing these guidelines, he said.

12 Playgrounds

The MCC has 12 playgrounds in its jurisdiction including big grounds like Nehru Maidan Cricket ground, Nehru Maidan Football ground, Urwa Market Maidan and Urwa Store Maidan. Other playgrounds in MCC limits include Kavoor Shaktinagar Maidan, Jeppu Bharath, Jeppu Shanthinagar, Surathkal Kendra Maidan, Ganeshpura Maidan, Yemmekere Maidan, Padukalpane Maidan and Thiruvailu Vamanjoor Maidan.

The ground maintenance will be looked after by Corporation engineering department and revenue section will look into the financial matters. The framework and revenue details have to be approved by Corporation Council before it is implemented, said MCC Commissioner. The guidelines have been referred to the Finance Committee due to the financial commitment involved. Once the finance committee decides, the framework will come to the council for ratification. The newly elected standing committee will take a call on the matter. The process may be completed by the April end, said MCC former Chief Whip and Corporator Ranganath C Kini.

The guidelines have yet to be considered. The committee shall look into the matter, says Standing Committee on Taxation and Finance Chairman Sharath Kumar.