Marine Drive residents complain of traffic issues during matches

Mumbai: Residents of Marine Drive’s D Road have raised concerns over what they describe as traffic congestion, illegal parking, crowd management and cleanliness issues during the ongoing T20 Mumbai League matches at the iconic Wankhede Stadium.In a letter addressed to Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), the Marine Drive Residents Association has appealed for urgent intervention to address the issues.The residents body has said that while they take pride in being neighbours to one of India’s most celebrated cricketing venues, traffic and other issues during matches have disrupted daily life, particularly for senior citizens living along D Road.The association has requested the MCA to coordinate with the Mumbai police and traffic authorities to ensure dedicated deployment on D Road throughout the tournament.It has also sought stricter action against illegal parking, arrangements to maintain cleanliness on match days, and advance communication regarding match schedules and special events that may impact the locality.When contacted, Ajinkya Naik, president of MCA, said, “We are strictly adhering to all govt rules, regulations, and prescribed precautionary measures to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the tournament. The league has consistently served as a platform for identifying and nurturing talent, producing Indian cricketers such as Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and several others who have gone on to represent the country. We are equally proud that this year, three women players associated with the league have earned the opportunity to represent India, further showcasing the league’s significant contribution to the growth of both men’s and women’s cricket.”