RWITC may face fresh crisis over Mahalaxmi land
Racing is heading for a crisis. The Bangalore Turf Club is under High Court mandated notice to shift from its existing premises on September 22 and everything now hinges on the outcome of the Special Leave Petition in Supreme Court on September 7 A favorable decision may prolong racing in Bangalore for some more time but in the long run, racing is facing extinction in the capital city of Karnataka unless the race club makes an earnest effort to build an alternate venue and plan its future. The Bangalore Turf Club has not been able to rise about the petty internecine quarrels which threaten to destroy the age old edifice. The rival factions are busy running down each other and whenever someone tries to do some good, he is being pulled down.
Racing in Mumbai is also under threat as its lease is due to expire in 2013 and the Mumbai Corporation has already made it clear that is not going to extend the land lease citing several breach of contract. The RWITC is facing fresh problem because the big open space in the heart of the city has been eyed by politicians with intent on exploiting the expensive canvas of the city.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), in-charge of Metro rail construction, has told the state government that it wants to build an underground carshed below the racecourse's stables stating that there is no other alternative could be found for the proposed Colaba-Bandra line.
The MMRDA has sent an email to RWITC asking it to make available about 54 acres which houses more than 1000 horses during the racing season to build an underground facility. If MMRDA has its way, racing activity may have to shut for two to three years till such time the facility is built and the over ground is handed back to the club. After that there is the problem of getting the lease extended. The MMRDA has said that the stable area has to be closed partially so that racing can continue without disruption. .
The MMRDA reportedly has assured the club that it has no plans for the over ground area and that it would complete the work within the assigned time and hand back the area to the club.
RWITC Chairman believes Vivek Jain says the idea of having a carshed under the stables may not be feasible. Since there is no clear cut proposal from the government, it is difficult to say anything concrete, he added.
The race course which has an area of 225 acres has been built on the marshy land way back in 1883.
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Racing in Mumbai is also under threat as its lease is due to expire in 2013 and the Mumbai Corporation has already made it clear that is not going to extend the land lease citing several breach of contract. The RWITC is facing fresh problem because the big open space in the heart of the city has been eyed by politicians with intent on exploiting the expensive canvas of the city.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), in-charge of Metro rail construction, has told the state government that it wants to build an underground carshed below the racecourse's stables stating that there is no other alternative could be found for the proposed Colaba-Bandra line.
The MMRDA has sent an email to RWITC asking it to make available about 54 acres which houses more than 1000 horses during the racing season to build an underground facility. If MMRDA has its way, racing activity may have to shut for two to three years till such time the facility is built and the over ground is handed back to the club. After that there is the problem of getting the lease extended. The MMRDA has said that the stable area has to be closed partially so that racing can continue without disruption. .
The MMRDA reportedly has assured the club that it has no plans for the over ground area and that it would complete the work within the assigned time and hand back the area to the club.
RWITC Chairman believes Vivek Jain says the idea of having a carshed under the stables may not be feasible. Since there is no clear cut proposal from the government, it is difficult to say anything concrete, he added.
The race course which has an area of 225 acres has been built on the marshy land way back in 1883.
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