Does everything have to be milked for tourism That's fast becoming an existential issue of sorts in these times.
It's increasingly becoming clear that tourists are not welcome everywhere.
Recently, an announcement made by Aaditya Thackeray, Maharashtra's state tourism minister, regarding the decision to open Wankhede Stadium to tourists for guided tours has been met with stiff resistance.
Several concerned residents of Marine Drive and Churchgate have written to Thackeray and to the BMC commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal expressing their concern.
A three-page letter issued by the Marine Drive Resident&rsquos Association pointed to safety issues. The possibility of crimes and risk of robberies were stated as prime concerns, especially for elder citizens. Also, increased traffic due to crowds in the already narrow and choked lanes of Churchgate was also an issue. Residents pointed out that parking will pose a problem in the Wankhede neighbourhood which suffers from bad traffic.
Another issue would be the possibility of illegal hawkers who may pop up once tourists start coming in.
Many stadiums across the country have already opened up, including the picturesque Dharamshala Stadium, for tourists and fans even when matches are not held.
In September, Thackeray had tweeted about the idea of opening up a cricket museum in Mumbai for fans all over the world.
A meeting with the Mumbai Cricket Association&rsquos apex council is scheduled on December 15 to discuss the matter. The residents' association has asked for a &lsquodialogue&rsquo before any decision is undertaken.