BBMP faces flak for leasing Jayanagar playground for commercial events

Bengaluru: The BBMP has come under fire from residents of Jayanagar 5th Block for permitting private parties to hold commercial events on a public playground, depriving access to children and sports enthusiasts.

Residents argued frequent leasing of the ground undermines its primary purpose.

Chandragupta Maurya Ground, popularly known as Shalini Ground, is the venue of only two public playgrounds in the Jayanagar assembly constituency and is frequented by hundreds of people daily for sports and recreational activities.

In a letter to BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath and other officials, a group of residents highlighted that four commercial events were held in November, with more planned for December.

“Each event disrupts access to the playground for an entire week, as organisers take days to set up and dismantle structures. This is unacceptable, and our complaints are being ignored,” the letter stated.

Residents also raised concerns about noise pollution, open defecation, littering, and disorganised parking caused by these events. They alleged that the BBMP fails to enforce compliance with regulations after granting permissions and urged the civic body to stop leasing the playground for commercial purposes.

At least 57 residents signed the letter, which was also sent to local political representatives and BBMP officials.

Jayanagar MLA CK Ramamurthy acknowledged the residents’ concerns and stressed the need to restrict commercial use of the playground. “I have written to the BBMP, urging them to limit permissions to cultural activities and ensure they do not exceed five days a month. Also, organisers should not be allowed to use more than 25 per cent of the space for commercial purposes,” he told DH.