Pimpri corporator Prabhakar Waghere said he had moved a similar proposal, seeking a shopping complex and a sports stadium at the playground.

The Shiv Sena was livid. The party’s city deputy chief, Sarang Kamthekar, pointed at Section 37 of the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act, 1966, which says the basic structure of the reservation cannot be changed without government approval. “Before getting approval, the PCMC is seeking to modify the reservation. This is illegal and against public interest,” he said.

The Sena plans to take up the matter with the state government. Party corporator Seema Savle said, “A growing city like Pimpri-Chinchwad needs playgrounds and open spaces to maintain a healthy environment. The PCMC seems to care little for the health of its citizens.”

Independent corporator Maruti Bhapkar alleges that the Nationalist Congress Party is using its brute majority to get any proposal passed in the civic general body without discussion and debate. “We are not allowed to speak on any policy matters,” he said.

Civic activist K Nambiar urged the PCMC to review its decision. “As it is, there are hardly any playgrounds in Pimpri-Chinchwad. Why is the PCMC out to remove the few remaining ones?”