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Vasai Residents Don Ghost Costumes to Press Officials Over Cemetery Playground

The protest underscored demands for formal community consultation to ensure culturally sensitive public space planning.

Overview

  • Playground swings and exercise bars were removed by the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation days before the demonstration following local backlash.
  • On July 31 and August 1, activists organized by the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi marched to the Ward Committee office dressed as spirits and offered flowers in satirical thanks.
  • Protesters argued that an adjacent open ground could have accommodated recreational equipment without violating religious norms.
  • The theatrical display highlighted community frustration over perceived municipal insensitivity toward sacred burial grounds.
  • Residents are now seeking official guarantees for inclusive planning processes and respect for cultural and religious sentiments in future projects.