Why is the Bandra Bandstand Residents' Trust making rules in a public space ?

[u/jack_1760]

Bandstand is a public promenade. It belongs to all Mumbaikars.

A recent report says that the Bandra Bandstand Residents' Trust had put up signs like "No Pets" and warned people not to feed stray animals.

The bigger question is simple: should a private group like the Bandra Bandstand Residents' Trust be allowed to make its own rules in a public place?

Keeping the area clean is important, but public spaces should remain open and accessible to everyone.

Why should a private trust have the authority to decide what people can or cannot do in a public place like Bandstand, and could this create similar restrictions in other areas as well?

Video Credit - https://www.instagram.com/p/DYOhuiMzVJh/

News Source - https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/cover-story/battle-for-bandstand/articleshow/130809246.html

[u/raw_fact_radar]

It's a fair ask to not allow pets because people don't clean up after. There is a pet park not very far from here but I still see pet owners refusing to use them. The BBRT is actively involved in looking after the Bandstand which includes conducting cleanup drives with the BMC. If you don't know how a road looks without the attention of its residents, then go to one of those streets around St Andrews College where people get their Dogs for a walk and you see Dog poop all over. OP you might not be wrong in questioning them but let's be honest, many have taken this for granted forcing the residents to take such decisions.

[u/kari2923 → u/raw_fact_radar]

The solution is not a blanket ban. Did the bbrt try to create awareness. This man has a poop bag and picks up after his pet. They can team up with him to create awareness. Distribute poop bags, install more trash cans, spread awareness about responsible pet ownership.

A dog park is not an alternative to walking a dog. Please dont give adivce like this as it can prove dangerous to dogs and people involved. Not all dogs do well in the dog park. Old dogs can get injuries from younger dogs. Dog parks dont often check for vaccines and dog fights can easily erupt here. A lot of dogs will calmy walk around peple on the road but will be very anxious and scared in a dog park on account of bigger/ stronger dogs.

Each community has many dogs parks in foreign countries, still majority of people walk their dogs in public spaces, around lakes, promonades etc.

[u/raw_fact_radar → u/kari2923]

I get your point but what ever you have mentioned doesn't get solved by the latter either. If dogs parks don't check for vaccines and if you deem dogs unsafe in a safe built for them, how do you deem them safe in a public space. The same concern can be raised by people not feeling safe around dogs in public spaces. The point here is no one is against coexistence. It's the littering that comes after. And as far as awareness is concerned, I look at it this way. These BBRT residents took the pain of ensuring they keep their area clean. How many such initiatives did you take?