Police begin daily patrols at Ramlila Garden in Mira-Bhayandar after women raise safety concerns

Police in Mira-Bhayandar have acted after concerns were raised about rising disorder, the movement of drug users and the safety of women at Ramlila Garden in the Navghar area. Police have inspected the garden and begun action to maintain regular patrols in the area. Women and other residents who visit the garden in the morning and evening are expected to get some relief.

Local women had been complaining for some days that the movement of people buying drugs and of addicts in the garden had increased. Women who come in the morning and evening for yoga, exercise and walks were being forced to stay in the garden in an atmosphere of fear. The issue of women's safety had become more serious because of poor lighting, especially in the evening.

Some lights in the garden have been vandalised, and iron grilles have reportedly been cut and carried away. Local Shiv Sena corporator Vandana Patil had written to the municipal administration and police several times seeking measures.

Meanwhile, local women also put their problems before Shiv Sena city chief Sachin Manjrekar. Manjrekar then contacted the police administration and raised the issue of the garden's security. Deputy Commissioner of Police Rahul Chavan took the matter seriously, after which police personnel visited the garden and took stock.

Police have begun action to step up regular patrolling in and around the garden. They have also warned of action against those taking drugs and those harassing women. This is expected to curb the disorder in the garden.

On Vandana Patil's initiative, work has also been taken up to repair the garden's broken grille and slide. Local residents say that if regular police patrols, repair work and the administration's safety measures are properly implemented, Ramlila Garden will again become a safe place for women, the elderly and small children.