They all want to grab this patch of greenery
Afternoon
August? 7, 2010
At the slightest provocation, the BMC sends notices to the RWITC and issues threats. The RWITC has always behaved in a responsible way and never flawed on any of the conditions of lease. If at all it is at fault, it has been always quick to make amends. It does get into trouble sometimes, but if it exercises a little more care, it can have a clean record.
The racecourse abounds in greenery.
There are huge trees and flowers. It is a place not only meant for racing but also for walks by citizens, many sport activities, polo matches, free, pleasure riding. The green space is right at the heart of the city-just a few metres from the Arabian Sea.
All sorts of suggestions are being made for utilization of the race course for purposes other than racing. A recent proposal was to have a car park right under the racecourse! Such weird suggestions have been going on for several years. When Geroge Fernandes was a big trade union leader (he earned the name of George, the giant killer after defeating the city's uncrowned king S.K.Patil) he made the proposal the racecourse should be used for constructing houses for displaced slumdwellers. It is clear, covetous eyes continue to be cast on the most beautiful patch of green in the city.
Maharashtra's revenue minister has dealt a big blow to the Club by increasing the betting tax. The racecourse has remained as green as ever. The Club has however survived all these setbacks and is getting on famously.
?
