THE growing culture of youths playing on artificial turfs instead of open grounds is a reminder for the civic body to preserve and develop playable and accessible grounds across city. Currently, the city is in the stage where very few grounds are left in a good condition. Turf owners are providing playing spaces at an hourly rent basis, while the civic authority is looking clueless. Turfs have became a regular place for youngsters to visit and play. Mostly, the rush builds around late evening, as they like to play in the lights, providing an extraordinary feeling than playing in the daylight at open grounds.

 

This rise in turf culture is because of the lack of availability of playable grounds in the city. Many residents and organisations raised their concerns regarding the lack of municipal grounds, a place where parents can nurture their children by developing their interest in physical activities more than having interest in binge watching television shows or continuously scrolling social media throughout the day. While private turfs are filling the void, they highlight a growing disparity. Those who can afford the hourly rentals ranging from Rs 800 to Rs 1,500 enjoy premium facilities, whereas the lack of free, accessible grounds remains a pressing issue for the wider population. Ashwin Khobragade, a concerned parent, notes, “It’s great that these facilities exist, but we need the administration to protect our remaining natural grounds.

 

Not every kid in the citycan afford to pay and play every day.” Playing on turfs everyday may be good for one’s mental and physical health, but there is no denying that the costs burn a hole in the pocket. Parents are concerned that if their child adapts the habit of playing everyday in turfs, how will they manage the expenses. Mohit Sakhare, a student who uses turfs regularly, said, “Turfs are very convenient but at the same time, very costly from longterm perspective. One month of playing nearly thrice in a week for two hours everytime costs me approximately Rs 6000 a month.” While every citizen has the right to access free open spaces, this transformation should not be done at the cost of creating a wedge between the children’s ambitions and parents’ budget.