We, the citizens of Vadodara, express our deep concern over the restricted public access, poor maintenance, and increasing non-sporting or commercial use of our city’s playgrounds especially Polo Ground, Navlakhi Ground, Bhutdi Jhapa Ground, Manjalpur Ground (near Shreyas School), Gorwa Community Ground, Alkapuri Garden Ground, Karelibaug Grounds, Akota Stadium Open Ground, Gotri Urban Park Play Area, Aggad Maidan, Khothi Kacheri (Near Police Ground), Gokhru Maidan (Khothi), Kalabhavan Rajmahal Maidan, Idgaah / Azad Maidan, and any other maidan meant for the children and youth of Vadodara.

For decades, these open spaces have been the heart of our community where children played freely, youth built fitness, and citizens gathered in the spirit of sports and unity.

Today, however, many of these grounds stand dirty, neglected, or occupied for events, fairs, parking, or private use. Some are even abandoned or locked, while others are used as dumping spots or storage areas.

As a result, Vadodara’s children, who once ran, played, and learned teamwork in these maidans, are now forced to play on roads, in parking lots, or spend their time indoors on screens.

This steady loss of safe, open play spaces is more than an inconvenience; it’s a threat to our city’s health, safety, and spirit. It limits opportunities for physical fitness, social connection, and youth development, and erodes Vadodara’s long-held identity as a city that values sports and community life.

We therefore request the Vadodara Municipal Corporation and District Administration to:

• Reopen Polo Ground and all public playgrounds fully for sports and community recreation.
• Regulate or restrict commercial and non-sporting events that block access or harm the grounds.
• Undertake urgent cleaning, restoration, and maintenance of all playgrounds under the Vadodara Municipal Corporation’s jurisdiction.
• Create a Citizen Coordination Mechanism involving youth-led groups like Khelo Vadodara, local schools, and resident associations to co-manage and activate these spaces through clean-up drives, sports events, and awareness programs.
• Install clear signage at every ground specifying permitted uses, maintenance contacts, and helplines for reporting misuse or encroachment.

By protecting these maidans, we can revive Vadodara’s legacy as a city that plays together, ensuring every child has a safe, clean, and open space to run, learn, and grow.

We seek your urgent attention and immediate action in the public and youth interest.

Sincerely,
Concerned Citizens of Vadodara
On behalf of the Khelo Vadodara Initiative