Kalyan: A day after residents, cricket enthusiasts and leaders from various political parties staged a protest against construction activity at the historic railway cricket ground in Dombivli’s Bawanchal area, a Shiv Sena delegation on Monday met Central Railway’s Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Haresh Mina, who assured them that the ongoing work would be halted for the time being.The assurance came as a major relief for local residents and sports lovers who had expressed concern over construction linked to a proposed gaming zone project on the ground, one of the few remaining open spaces in Dombivli West.The issue snowballed on Sunday when hundreds of residents, along with representatives of Shiv Sena, BJP and MNS, gathered at the ground to protest against the construction activity. Protesters demanded that Central Railway immediately stop the work and preserve the ground, which has served as a sporting and recreational hub for decades.Following the agitation, a Shiv Sena delegation led by Kalyan Rural MLA Rajesh More, MP Shrikant Shinde’s personal assistant Abhijit Darekar, and Dombivli city’s vice president Gajanan Vyapari met DRM Haresh Mina and conveyed the concerns of local citizens.Sources said the delegation highlighted the acute shortage of open spaces in the rapidly urbanising suburb and emphasised that generations of cricketers, youth and residents have used the ground for sports and community activities.They argued that any commercial development on the site would deprive the area of one of its last remaining public playgrounds.The matter was subsequently taken up by MP Shinde, who sought immediate intervention from railway authorities. During the meeting, Mina assured the delegation that the ongoing work would be suspended pending further discussions.The assurance has been welcomed by local sports groups and residents, who see it as a positive step towards safeguarding the historic ground.Shiv Sena leaders said efforts would continue to secure permanent protection for the facility and develop it as a dedicated public sports ground. Shinde is also expected to raise the matter with the Union Railway Ministry to seek a long-term solution for preserving the historic ground.For decades, the Bawanchal cricket ground has remained a centre for sporting activities and community events, making its preservation an emotional issue for many residents. While the immediate crisis appears to have been averted, locals say they will remain vigilant until the ground’s future is permanently secured.
