IMF Boat Show “Boating Days” Postponed!!!

2 February 2010 One Comment

The much awaited industry led IMF “Boating days” boat show which is scheduled to be held from 29-31 January 2010 is currently facing some choppy waters. Almost 10 days away, the event which was scheduled to be held at the Cooperage grounds in Mumbai is now facing some government intervention restricting the much anticipated event from being held in what would ideally be the perfect venue for any boat show.

Inspite of the necessary permissions in place, the collector of Mumbai has addressed the use of the ground as a cause of concern as the ground is typically meant for holding sporting related events and not for other uses which include exhibitions, marriages, personal functions etc.

The Collector of Mumbai (City) has sent a notice to the Western India Football Association (WIFA) asking it to change its decision to allow use of the Cooperage ground for an upcoming trade show, as the ground is meant only for sports purposes.

The Indian Marine Federation’s upcoming trade show, IMF Boating Days, is to be held at the ground from January 29 to 31. However, the sports facility will be off-limits to players for three days before and three days after the event, as preparations are made to set up and dismantle the stalls.

Collector I A Kundan sent the notice after agitated residents – who are already annoyed with frequent weddings and receptions at the ground – approached her to stop the show, which they said was an attempt to make money out of a public facility by flouting rules on the use of public open spaces meant for sports activity.

Residents are also concerned about the nuisance. The boat exhibition, which will be held from 10 am to 10 pm, is expected to see heavy traffic movement on the two adjacent roads, and will lead to parking woes for residents. Cranes and trailers at least 40 feet long will be brought to display boats at the ground. All this, while the area is a Silence Zone.

WHAT THE NOTICE SAYS

The Collector’s notice states that WIFA cannot organise any kind of commercial activity on the ground other than sports – the purpose for which the State Government has allotted the space. The notice has warned that if WIFA decides to go ahead with the show, it will be stopped by the Collector’s office and the entire responsibility of the consequences would rest on the WIFA.

“Any other activity other than sports will force the Collector’s office to take back the ground from them,”The Kundan said.

Below are extracts from the newspaper article (Mumbai Mirror) which published the story.

The Collector of Mumbai (City) has sent a notice to the Western India Football Association (WIFA) asking it to change its decision to allow use of the Cooperage ground for an upcoming trade show, as the ground is meant only for sports purposes.

The Indian Marine Federation’s upcoming trade show, IMF Boating Days, is to be held at the ground from January 29 to 31. However, the sports facility will be off-limits to players for three days before and three days after the event, as preparations are made to set up and dismantle the stalls.

Collector I A Kundan sent the notice after agitated residents – who are already annoyed with frequent weddings and receptions at the ground – approached her to stop the show, which they said was an attempt to make money out of a public facility by flouting rules on the use of public open spaces meant for sports activity.

Residents are also concerned about the nuisance. The boat exhibition, which will be held from 10 am to 10 pm, is expected to see heavy traffic movement on the two adjacent roads, and will lead to parking woes for residents. Cranes and trailers at least 40 feet long will be brought to display boats at the ground. All this, while the area is a Silence Zone.

WHAT THE NOTICE SAYS

The Collector’s notice states that WIFA cannot organise any kind of commercial activity on the ground other than sports – the purpose for which the State Government has allotted the space. The notice has warned that if WIFA decides to go ahead with the show, it will be stopped by the Collector’s office and the entire responsibility of the consequences would rest on the WIFA.

“Any other activity other than sports will force the Collector’
s office to take back the ground from them,” Kundan said.

The Indian Marine Federation has also planned a seminar will be held on 30th January 2010 at the Taj Mahal Palace and Towers (Mumbai) from 0900 to 1230hours, followed by lunch. The IMF through active debate amongst such figures and other industry leaders, seeks to create a platform for discussion on the potential of the Marine industry, seeks to establish the connect between the growth of the industry and national interests and will work through some of the hindrances that hamper the progress of this industry.