Pune locals protest conversion of 5 tennis courts into police parking lot

Residents of the Aundh area in Pune have voiced strong opposition to the conversion of five tennis courts into a parking lot for police vehicles. The courts, located on a one-acre plot near the road between the Parihar intersection and Westin Mall, have been a community staple for over 30 years, catering to sports enthusiasts of all ages.

While the police department claims that the move is temporary, locals see it as a sign of disregard for community welfare. Shekhar Bonagiri, a long-time resident, expressed his frustration: “It is ironic that while we constantly complain about the shortage of sports facilities, the authorities have chosen to replace these tennis courts with a parking lot. This decision reflects complete arrogance and inconsideration.”

The tennis courts were not just recreational spaces but also home to the Om Dalvi Memorial Tennis School, which had been running for over a decade. The academy was allegedly forced to close due to overdue rent claims by the police department. However, Umesh Dalvi, who ran the school, contested these claims.

Dalvi shared that despite securing a stay order from the Bombay High Court last year after clearing all pending dues, the school was eventually forced to shut down earlier this year. “We had been running the academy for 11 years, and the claim of unpaid rent is untrue. We cannot withhold payments owed to the police department,” Dalvi stated.

Residents believe that this move will discourage sports participation, especially among younger generations. “These courts were a vital part of our community, offering a safe and healthy environment for all. Losing them is a blow to public interest,” another resident commented.

The citizens have called for the police department to reconsider their decision and restore the tennis courts. As of now, no alternative arrangements have been announced for sports enthusiasts displaced by this decision.