In response to mounting public opposition and discussions during Tuesday’s assembly session, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has decided to temporarily halt the establishment of an equestrian academy in Moshi.
The controversy emerged when PCMC made the decision to lease open space in Chikhali’s Jadhavwadi neighborhood—popular among youths for outdoor sports—for the equestrian academy. Local residents argued that this move would eliminate the only available sports field in the community.
During the assembly session, Legislative Council member and Shiv Sena (UBT) politician Sachin Ahir raised the matter. Ahir, addressing Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, emphasized that the ground serves as the sole sports area for 15,000–20,000 citizens and proposed relocating the equestrian academy to a different site, leaving the ground for community sports.
Ajit Pawar pledged to personally contact PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh to address the issue after the session. In response, Commissioner Singh conveyed that alternative options for the academy’s location are being explored, and the decision has been put on hold.
Singh clarified that, in consideration of citizens’ convenience, they have identified an area only 800–900 meters away for sports activities. Consequently, PCMC is actively seeking an alternative site for the proposed equestrian academy to minimize disruption to the local community.
