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Time of India
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Bengaluru: Indiranagar basketball court redevelopment sparks debate over public access
Bengaluru: For over four decades, a modest basketball court tucked inside Indiranagar 1st Stage served as a vital playground for local youth, adults, and sports enthusiasts of all backgrounds. This court, part of a larger public ground, was more than just a place to shoot into hoops, it was a vibrant, inclusive community space where people came together to play cricket, basketball, and other games that very space has become the centre of a growing debate, as BBMP began construction to convert the basketball court into a full-fledged stadium after a traditional puja on May 8. While some welcome the move, others are raising serious concerns about what this transformation might mean for the future of public to Detailed Project Report (DPR), BBMP plans to upgrade the existing court by resurfacing the basketball court, adding spectator stands (gallery) on four sides, constructing changing rooms, toilets, and store rooms, installing lighting for evening games, fencing the premises, creating car parking space inside the playground area, and improving drainage estimated cost of the project is Rs 6 crore, and it is expected to be completed in six to nine months. The stated aim is to provide better infrastructure for players, host tournaments, and promote sports among Bengaluru's heart of controversyHowever, residents are not convinced. Many strongly oppose turning it into a stadium-like structure that could limit free public access with entry fees, fixed timings, or requirements like special footwear. — barriers that could keep out children from low-income backgrounds. The lack of clarity in the DPR about future usage policies has only added to these concerns. Swarna Venkataraman from I Change Indiranagar said, "We're not against upgrading the ground — we want it to be maintained. But turning the only open space we have into a private club facility is unacceptable."Another key question being asked is about private coaching clubs. Currently, a private basketball club has been conducting weekend paid classes there. Residents ask how a public space can be used for commercial purposes and fear such arrangements might increase after the stadium is players' perspectiveOn the other hand, long-time basketball players strongly support BBMP's plan. Yeshwanth Jayanna, a player who used the court for 8 years and represented Karnataka in the sport, said, "We've wanted this upgrade for decades. When it rains, we can't play. The court is cracked and worn out. We need a roof and better flooring to train seriously."He added, "Our club has always been about encouraging public to play. We're not turning it into a private zone — we're fighting to improve it."BBMP RespondsBBMP officials have attempted to ease fears. Snehal R, zonal commissioner, BBMP east, stated, "This is not a takeover of the entire playground. Only the basketball court is being upgraded. The rest of the ground will remain open to public." On allegations about a basketball club conducting coaching by collecting money, she said an inquiry will be conducted on the added no decisions have yet been made regarding access policies, and BBMP is open to discussions about free coaching sessions and possibly adding more courts if the demand arises. She emphasized that infrastructure requires maintenance and that involving local associations in management may be necessary, but it does not mean details of the project- Convert the court into a stadium with resurfacing, adding a gallery/viewing stands, changing rooms, toilets.- Car parking inside the playground - The estimated cost is Rs 6 crore- Expected to finish in 6-9 months- It is unclear whether the basketball stadium will remain open for free public use
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Indiranagar residents oppose stadium plan on playground
Bengaluru: Residents of Indiranagar have strongly opposed BBMP's decision to construct a stadium on the only open and accessible playground in their area — Victory Grounds in Indiranagar I Stage. The sudden announcement of a Rs 6.5-crore project, which includes a tensile-roofed stadium over the existing basketball court, has triggered outrage among the local community. "This is the only BBMP playground available to I and II Stage residents. It is used daily by children from the locality, nearby schools and from low-income neighbourhoods. Converting it into a stadium will restrict access and benefit only a select few," said Swarna Venkataraman, core member of I Change Indiranagar. Residents are also questioning the lack of transparency. "In 2017, we secured a high court stay on a similar indoor stadium plan. Despite this, BBMP revived the project without public consultation," said Sneha Nandihal, co-founder of I Change Indiranagar. Local groups argue that such a project will increase traffic and pollution in the already crowded neighbourhood. "The DPR falsely claims the playground is surrounded by wide roads. In reality, it's located in a densely packed residential zone. The proposed car park alone will consume the entire ground," said Ashok Sarath, president of Defence Colony Resident Welfare Association. Calling for equitable access to public spaces, residents demanded that the Rs 6.5 crore be used instead to maintain and improve the existing playground. "Why enclose the only lung space left in our locality?" said DV Ashok, president of 1st Stage League RWA.
