Mumbai: A proposal to build a heliport in the heart of the iconic Mahalaxmi race course has upset the people who run it.
The 130-year old race course is part of Mumbai's history and has been declared a heritage structure. The 226-acre ground is among the few large green spaces in this congested city.
Authorities of the Royal Western India Turf Club which runs the race course said that they had not been involved in the planning process and that they were totally against the idea. “Having a heliport right in the centre of the race course will affect, not just the horses, but also others who use the open area. Children play in the space and adults use it to walk in the evenings. Having a heliport right there will stop all the activities of the race course,” said Vivek Jain, chairman of RWITC.
The race course was first proposed as a probable location for the heliport more than two years ago.
As there is an existing helipad at Mahalaxmi Race Course, it was proposed to develop it as a full-fledged heliport for day-night operations. The idea was to use the space for landings and takeoffs of VVIPs including politicians, industrialists and government functionaries.
Read news in full 24/05/14 The Hindu
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