Mhada Grants NOC for Rohit Sharma School Turf Rebuilding
The Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) has issued a one-year no-objection certificate (NOC) for the rebuilding of the sports turf and nylon nets at Swami Vivekanand International School in Gorai, Mumbai, the alma mater of cricket star Rohit Sharma. The decision comes after Mhada had demolished the existing nets earlier this month, following concerns that the area was being used for commercial purposes.
Under the newly issued NOC, the school has been granted permission to reconstruct the sports turf, covering an area of 32m x 16m. The school has agreed to pay an annual rental fee of ₹2.84 lakh, along with a security deposit of the same amount, totaling ₹5.7 lakh for the year. Mhada has also set clear terms, prohibiting the school from using the turf and nets for any commercial activities, subletting the plot, or granting third-party rights.
This move follows a series of discussions between Mhada officials and the school’s trustees, who assured that the facility would strictly remain for the benefit of the students and would not be used for commercial gain. The earlier demolition of the turf and nets was prompted by complaints alleging commercial misuse, which the school disputed.
In response to Mhada’s decision, school officials expressed their relief, with the managing trustee emphasising that the demolition was based on false complaints. The NOC has been hailed as a step forward for the school, allowing it to continue its efforts to promote youth sports, including free cricket training for girls, a recent initiative aimed at empowering young athletes.
With this development, the school is now in a position to proceed with the rebuilding of its sporting infrastructure, a vital resource for nurturing future sports talent in the community.