In a significant development, around 600 residents of Lokhandwala in Andheri have initiated a campaign calling for the removal of an alleged illegal gurdwara and an operational open kitchen within the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Joggers Park. The residents contend that since October 2022, religious artifacts have been placed in an extended caretaker’s cabin, where prayers are conducted throughout the day.
Chairing the 25-member core committee leading the campaign, OP Monga expressed widespread opposition among park visitors, stating, “Almost all the walkers that come to the park are against it, as the park is being used for a purpose it was not intended for.” Monga raised concerns about the potential expansion of religious activities, posing a threat to the secular environment and diminishing available open space for residents.
The issue originated in March 2022 when construction began on the extension of the caretaker’s cabin. Despite complaints lodged with the BMC’s K West ward office, the gurdwara proceeded with its inauguration in October, marked by fanfare and live-streaming.
An operational open kitchen, initially established during the Covid-19 pandemic to serve as a langar (free kitchen), continues to function within the park. Anuj Mittal, a member of the campaign, revealed, “More construction was taking place in the middle of the park, which we suspected was for a toilet block that could be merged with the present toilet block next to the unauthorized religious hall. But they have stopped it after our complaints.”
Developed in 2003 using MP Local Area Development funds, the park is presently maintained by Celebration Sports Club. Responding to allegations, the club posted a notice refuting claims of constructing a toilet block, describing it as a storeroom for maintenance. The notice accused residents of spreading rumors with the intention of disrupting the peace of Lokhandwala.
