Mumbai: Tiranga Andolan in Bandra Against Redevelopment of Neville D’Souza Football Ground
Mumbai, 24th August 2026: Footballers, coaches, activists and local residents gathered at Neville D’Souza Football Ground in Bandra on Sunday for a ‘Tiranga Andolan’ opposing the proposed redevelopment of the ground into an exhibition and convention centre.
The protest was led by Worli MLA and Mumbai Football Association president Aaditya Thackeray. Protesters carried the Tricolour and raised slogans demanding that the football ground be preserved as a public sporting space.
The campaign has gained support from football players and citizens who fear that losing the ground would further reduce the number of open spaces available for sports in Mumbai. National-level footballer Bhumika Mane said that without playing grounds, it would become difficult for the next generation of footballers to train and develop.
Nigel Neville D’Souza, son of late footballer Neville D’Souza, after whom the ground is named, also attended the protest and thanked the legal team, students and citizens supporting the campaign.
The controversy centres on a proposal to change the reservation of an approximately 8,450 sq m MHADA plot at Bandra Reclamation. Under the proposed amendment to Development Plan 2034, the existing playground reservation would be changed to allow an exhibition centre.
However, the Bombay High Court on August 20 halted the BMC’s plan following a petition filed by the Mumbai Football Association. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on September 18.
Protesters have urged the authorities to retain Neville D’Souza Football Ground as a public sports facility and protect Mumbai’s remaining open spaces from redevelopment.
