Govt needs to do more to retain people’s trust

Mahalaxmi racecourse in Mumbai. Pic/Shadab Khan

A few days ago, the municipal commissioner met with members of the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) at Mahalaxmi. The simmering issue was the state government wanting 120 acres of racecourse land to build a public park on the ground, which by its label public park, means it is open to all. The meeting went on for more than two hours with the commissioner stressing repeatedly that they want to co-exist with the racecourse, and no construction/building will come up on the land. He in fact stated that the theme park or public garden which is mentioned can be used interchangeably, the theme park will be a green park, one where there may be a topiary and more trees may be planted.

While he was hard pressed to put forth his points, the interactive session showed that the members were hugely sceptical about claims and there was a palpable feeling that the club was being blackmailed - agree to giving away 120 acres, or the club will not get a lease extension. The current lease has expired in 2013.
The trust deficit between people and government agencies was glaring. There were suggestions from members that this is already a public park, it is open to numerous walkers, joggers etc., people playing football so it is erroneous to conclude this is largely inaccessible or non-inclusive. The civic authority chief even said that he does not want membership of this club.

If a trust deficit has to be filled, then do not make the lease extension incumbent upon whether the members will say yes or no to the plan. Extend the lease anyway, and show that there is no blackmail or coercion. That will win the BMC big points and a lot of goodwill from members.