Indiranagar residents oppose construction of basketball stadium in BBMP playground

Bengaluru: The residents of Indiranagar have opposed the proposed construction of a basketball stadium at an empty Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) playground in the area.

The federation of various RWAs under the banner I Change Indiranagar has alleged that the proposed construction is “illegal,” at a press conference in the city on Saturday.

According to the Detailed Project Report (DPR) titled Development of Basketball Court at Indiranagar Domlur in East Zone, Bangalore, the construction is being undertaken at an estimated cost of Rs 6.5 crore. The project proposes a tensile-roofed stadium with space allocated for parking.

Swarna Venkataraman, core member of I Change Indiranagar, said the playground is the only open and free BBMP playground for both Stage I and II of Indiranagar. “The ground has been used for all kinds of games — cricket, kabaddi, volleyball, football, basketball — without any exclusivity. A basketball stadium will not only limit our choice of sport but will also gatekeep children and adults who cannot afford it if the place becomes ticketed,” she said.

Sneha Nandihal, a member of the federation, added that the ground was neglected by authorities and has been maintained by citizen volunteers through cleanliness drives, painting, and repairing broken compound walls. “Earlier in 2017, we got a stay order from the High Court against the construction of an indoor stadium. The BBMP has now taken up the project again without any public consultation,” she said.

DV Ashok, President of the federation, alleged that the plan is not inclusive, adding that the DPR falsely claims the playground is surrounded by wide roads, whereas it is actually located amid residential areas.

A BBMP official, who did not want to be quoted, confirmed that the DPR is under project management consultancy. Once the process is complete, construction will begin. He said that tenders have been floated and the construction will be handed over to private contractors. “While the stadium will be open to all, there is no clarity yet on whether it will be ticketed, as preliminary work has not begun,” he said.

Snehal R, BBMP Zonal Commissioner (East), noted that she will address the matter if and when the members of I Change Indiranagar share their grievances with her.