India, Nov. 15 -- Residents of Walkeshwar are opposing the BMC's decision to allow cricket practice and other sporting activities on what they allege is a "commercial basis" at SM Joshi ground, a public recreational ground. They argue that it would restrict public access to one of the neighbourhood's few recreational spaces, besides being "unauthorised".

In a letter to assistant municipal commissioner, D ward, Santosh Salunkhe, on Thursday, the Walkeshwar Cricket Committee, a group of local players who regularly use the ground, called it a matter of "grave concern" and asked the BMC to reverse its decision.

Ramchandra Shirke, a Walkeshwar resident spearheading the campaign, told HT that this is the only playground in the neighbourhood a...