SP corporator writes to BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal, requesting that civic-run gardens and playgrounds be reopened for the public

Given the growing number of Covid-19 cases, Bhiwandi MLA Rais Shaikh, a Samajwadi Party corporator from Agripada, has written to BMC commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal, urging that the "one-sided" decision to close all civic-run parks and playgrounds to the public be rescinded. Shaikh urged that the BMC government return all public gardens and playgrounds to Covid safety requirements, citing the fact that malls, gyms, and salons may operate at 50% capacity.

Shaikh accepted that precautions are necessary in light of the omicron epidemic and the rising number of covid cases in the city in his letter, but he publicly criticised the city's decision to close public gardens and playgrounds. According to Chahal, "Youth, children, and senior adults frequent civic-run gardens, playgrounds, and open spaces for recreation as well as physical activities such as walking, running, and workouts. This has to do with public health and the general public good. Citizens are no longer able to use these open spaces since they have been closed. As a result, I believe the city body's decision to close the gardens and playgrounds is biassed."

"This is when the municipal council permits salons, spas, gyms, malls, restaurants, and other businesses to operate at 50% capacity. I've written to the civic head, demanding that the decision be overturned and the gardens and playground reopened to the public as soon as possible." Shaikh went on to say.

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