One of the city’s beleaguered parks, the Gandhi Maidan in Kurla, which has seen landmark events like the Sayunkta Maharashtra movement in 1960, is set to get a fresh lease of life.

Residents and activists from Kurla region will join hands to save this 2,505 square metre open space, which activists say has been neglected by the civic body, illegally encroached upon and been eyed by the powerful builders’ lobby.

On February 1, they will undertake a mass signature campaign along with 68 other citizens’ groups and approach the Mayor and the CM demanding action on the issue. “It’s been over 22 years since we have started our campaign to the oldest maidan of the city. During pre-independence era, old people congregated here to discuss ideas. Now you will not be able to see any of those. Time and again this ground has seen illegal encroachments from all possible powerful lobbies,” said Vishwas Kamble, working president, Gauri Shankar Krida Mandal that has been fighting to save this plot.

“Today it’s in a sorry state with all kinds of commercial activities like a carom centre, caterers and godowns operating on this land. We are not against development but don’t clutter the scanty open space in the city,” Kamble added.

Between 1980 and 1985, the park saw encroachments but some of the encroachments were cleared in 1985. “Some of the encroachers filed a petition with the court saying that they weren’t given any notices before the demolition,” said Kamble. The court after hearing their plea gave an interim decision in 1985 saying that six of the 38 semi-permanent structures can remain there.

“The court had given permission for six houses but after a few months they started to expand their area. The slumlords who backed these encroachments rented these plots for commercial purposes and made hefty sums,” he said.

The encroachments continued unabashed till 2005. Though, there was some respite as some structures were demolished, it didn’t not last for long.

“The MLA, MP, corporators and the ward officer have all succumbed to the pressure of these slumlords and hence are not taking any action against these illegal structures,” allege residents. But local MLA, Nawab Malik refuted these allegations. “The matter is with the court, hence I cannot comment.”

But residents have now decided that they will not take this political dilly-dallying lying down.

“We are tired of this political blame-game. We want some concrete action now. To make sure something is done, we will carry out this signature campaign which will have the backing of local residents and 68 other citizens groups,” said D M Prabhudesai, a senior citizen supporting the campaign.