On 25th October, the residents around the Museo Camera in Sushant Lok 1, held a protest over its alleged takeover of a public badminton court. Protesters, led by former Sarpanch Anil Yadav, staged a dharna in front of the stadium which they claimed the museum management has illegally occupied. Yadav and others demanded clarity on the revenue generated, as well as public access to the court, noting that the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) invested over 1.5 crore in its construction.
In response, both the MCG commissioner and Aditya Arya, the museum director defended the lease arrangement, highlighting Museo Camera’s cultural importance and revenue contributions. Arya stated that the land transfer was lawful, and pointed out that the museum is a source of revenue for the city. MCG Commissioner Dr. Narhari Singh Bangar supported his stand, suggesting that the museum adds cultural value to the community, while a new badminton court could be established elsewhere (tax payer’s money already spent on it, is obviously not his concern)
Local leaders from RWA’s around the museum also criticized the museum for hosting unauthorized events that allegedly cause congestion and impact resident safety. These tensions underscore how the museum’s cultural mission, however good it may be for the city, clashes with the neighboring community’s needs.
