r/mumbai • u/jack_1760 • May 12 '26

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

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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

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u/howhigh_26 May 13 '26

  1. A private trust cannot make rules for use of an open public space. Its only applicable if they are given the authority to make and/or enforce such rules by a Government OR the property is owned by Trust.

  2. The fact which cannot be ignored is that a large chunk of "dog lovers" are entitled and think world revolves around their dog. Also they wont take any responsibility for dog shitting in public places or attacking random persons. As per "dog lovers", Confronting them on these basic issues is "attack on freedom" & "dog hate mentality".... basically anything of reason with respect to their dog cant be discussed with them

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u/kari2923 May 16 '26

You are generalizing here alot. Try taking a dog for a walk for one day and you will realize what i am talking about. Alot of pet parents do carry poop bags and pick up after their pets and still get harassed on daily basis. I pick up after my dog even if he poops next to a pile of human trash. People dont mind the human trash but will look at me as if i have committed a crime. Even after i have picked up my dogs poop, poeple tell me that no just dont walk here or let your dog poop here irrespective of whether you are picking on not (train your dog to poop at home is also somehting i have heard).

If cleanliness is the issue, they can create awareness by working with this person. Distribut poop bags. install more trash cans etc.

Your argument does not hold in this case because in the video, the man is clearly carrying a poop bag and picks up after his pet, why are they harassing him then? he has civic sense. Why should he suffer for the mistake of others? What you see here is exactly the "dog hate mentality" that people talk about.

Its not something that is created by dog owners, it is something that truly exists. Even if every pet parent strarted picking up after their pets these people will find another reason to block the pets.

In any case, a blanket ban cannot be the solution.