Citizens oppose commercial use of Lunsikui ground in Navsari

Surat: Prominent citizens and sportspersons have opposed the Navsari Municipal Corporation's decision to allot the Lunsikui ground for a handloom fair, citing its designated use for sports. Citizens also raised concerns over the poor quality of recent landfilling work on the ground.Kersi Deboo, member of the ‘Lunsikui Ground and Pavilion Protection Committee', said, "This ground was donated for sports. Lunsikui Cricket Club and other associations have spent heavily on its upkeep. During vacations, the ground is handed over for a handloom fair with huge domes. Where will the kids play if it's used for commercial purposes?"A memorandum highlighting these concerns was submitted to the municipal commissioner under the banner of the ‘Navsari District Sports Association'. Prominent citizens, including Rustan Sadari, Bomi Jagirdar, Mayur Patel, and Bharat Sukhadiya, were present. Patel alleged, "We have maintained this ground with citizen funds over decades. NMC officials plan developments without consulting the public. Earlier, they built toilet blocks; now they allow commercial activity. When we asked the contractor for NMC permission, he could not produce any."The Lunsikui ground is used regularly for cricket, football, athletics, volleyball, and hockey. Citizens have opposed commercial activities in the past, citing a municipal resolution reserving the ground exclusively for sports.Deboo also criticised recent leveling work, saying, "The ground was filled to increase its height, but the material used is poor — concrete, pebbles, stones, and brick pieces are visible. We have requested NMC to take action."Meanwhile, NMC defended the decision, saying the fair is organised by the Gujarat government. "The ground will host the fair from March 17 to 27. As it is a government-organised event, we cannot refuse. The ground will still be available for kids and sportspersons during the vacation," a senior official said.