Railway work at Dombivli’s Thakurli ground in Maharashtra sparks protest, locals and politicians demand preservation of cricket venue

Kalyan: A long-standing cricket ground in Thakurli's Bawanchal area of Dombivli West has become the centre of a controversy after railway authorities initiated work on the land, restricting access to players and triggering protests by local residents, sportspersons and political leaders from ruling and opposition parties.

The ground, owned by the railways, has remained largely unused for official purposes for several years and has been serving as a cricket practice venue for local youngsters. Residents claim the ground has nurtured generations of cricketers and remains one of the few open spaces available for sports activities in the locality.

On Sunday, dozens of players and residents gathered at the ground to protest against the restrictions and demand that cricket activities be allowed to continue. Protesters raised slogans against the railway administration, alleging that the move would deprive local youth of an important sporting facility.

Leaders from the BJP, Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and MNS joined the agitation in support of the players. Among those present were BJP Kalyan district president Nandu Parab, Shiv Sena MLA Rajesh More, BJP corporator Dipesh Mhatre and MNS corporator Prahlad Mhatre.

Addressing the protesters, BJP corporator Dipesh Mhatre said the ground has been used by local players for decades and has played a vital role in promoting sports in the area. He alleged that local residents contributed land for railway development projects in the past and that any attempt to take away facilities enjoyed by citizens would be strongly opposed.

Mhatre further said that BJP state president and Dombivli MLA Ravindra Chavan recently inspected the site and that discussions with senior railway officials, including the divisional railway manager, would be held shortly to find a solution.

Shiv Sena MLA Rajesh More said the fight to save the ground would continue. He said a delegation of local representatives would meet senior railway authorities within the next two days to discuss the issue and seek a resolution that safeguards the interests of players and residents.

During the protest, More also spoke with MP Dr Shrikant Shinde over the phone. According to local leaders, Shinde assured residents and players that efforts would be made to preserve the ground and address their concerns with the railway administration.

Responding to the controversy, Pravin Patil, senior public relations officer of Central Railway, said, "The land belongs to the railways and we are safeguarding it for its best possible utilisation in the future. Recently, benches installed on the land without railway permission were removed as part of this exercise."