Indiranagar residents protest BBMP plan to build stadium on public playground
Residents of Indiranagar, along with civic group I Change Indiranagar (ICIN), have strongly opposed the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) plan to construct a stadium on the only free public playground at Victory Grounds, 1st Stage, Indiranagar.
The ground is currently a vital recreational space for children, especially those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Addressing the media at the Bengaluru Press Club on Saturday, May 3, ICIN members and local residents demanded that the playground be preserved. They criticised the BBMP’s plan to build a stadium and a tensile-roofed basketball court at an estimated cost of ₹6.5 crore, arguing that it would restrict public access and likely commercialise the space.
“BBMP has done zero maintenance since construction,” said Swarna Venkataraman, a core member of ICIN. “ICIN built the gates, ensured cleanliness, and maintained the playground. The idea that they can now take it over is completely preposterous,” she added. Sneha Nandihal, ICIN’s co-founder, highlighted zoning violations, stating that Indiranagar, a BDA layout, must allocate 10-15% of its area to parks and open spaces but currently has only 2%. Residents fear that the new facility would be ticketed and time-bound, excluding free public use.
They also recalled previous failed attempts to repurpose the ground, including plans for a private cricket academy and an indoor stadium, which were halted after public protests and legal interventions. “The playground is essential for children from marginalised communities,” said longtime resident Anoop Hegde, stressing the social impact of losing the open space.
