Mumbai to get Smart Turf Policy to regulate mushrooming artificial turf, box cricket grounds

Mumbai's Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has approved a new policy to regulate the proliferation of artificial turf and box-cricket grounds across the city. This move comes as there has been a surge in private sporting turfs to address the lack of open recreational spaces, causing concern over issues such as late-night games, noise, and powerful floodlights.

The policy, spearheaded by BJP corporator Tejinder Singh Tiwana, will ensure that over 1,500 artificial turfs in Mumbai are registered, monitored, and compliant with safety regulations. The proposal, set to be presented to the civic body for approval, will require all turf facilities to register with the BMC and use the 'Khelo Mumbai' app for bookings, permissions, and revenue transactions.

This will increase transparency and discourage unauthorized commercial operations. The policy also calls for a ban on inferior-quality rubber crumb infill, mandating the use of environmentally safer alternatives. In addition, protective roof nets will be made mandatory, especially for facilities close to residential areas. Regular inspections will be conducted to check noise levels, floodlight glare, traffic issues, fire safety, and environmental compliance.

Tiwana emphasized that the objective is to modernize and legalize the turf facilities while safeguarding the health and well-being of citizens, rather than shutting them down.