In an area that is already shrinking due to construction and encroachments, athletes and children are struggling to find proper public playgrounds.

Even though the state government is planning to build Olympic-standard grounds, a lack of spacious playgrounds for athletes prevails in the eastern part of Ahmedabad. And when they are built, the commercialisation takes over.

An Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) playground near LG Hospital in Maninagar area of the city is being used for commercial purposes. The AMC playground, which was given as a donation for athletes to play games, is now being used for hosting small events and programmes.

As per AMC’s data from the garden department, capital expenditure on playgrounds was ₹10 lakh in 2022–23, a decline from ₹50 lakh in 2020–21.

“The AMC is disrespecting the donors by earning money after commercialising it. It has been rented for events like marriage, receptions, small programmes, seasonal markets, etc,” said an athlete.

“Instead of providing playgrounds, the authorities are snatching our spaces to play games.”

The football ground near Kankaria Lake was also allegedly given to organise a circus and use it as parking.

Most of the time, the funds of the citizens of Ahmedabad are invested in building parks, tennis courts, swimming pools, and gyms, but somehow, mediators are getting maximum benefits in the name of public-private partnerships.

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