‘DIL GARDEN GARDEN HONE DO’ Valentine’s Day Pune Municipal Corporation Fergusson College Parvati Hill Savitribai Phule A final decision can only be taken after considering all legal aspects. If we provide such a ‘couples-only’ garden, the rights of others, like children or elderly citizens, could be compromised — Ashok Ghorpade, chief superintendent, PMC garden dept It’s a common refrain in most Indian cities that there is no safe space for lovers to sit and whisper sweet nothings to one another — and Pune is no exception to this rule, having witnessed everything from moral policing to outright crime against couples canoodling in scant hidden spots.But now, a group of earnest citizens — banded under the banner of ‘Right to Love’ — are up in arms to change this inconvenience. In a letter to the(PMC) commissioner Saurabh Rao, they have complained that of the total 110 gardens in the city, not a single one has been exclusively reserved for couples to enjoy quality time together without fear of harassment.And so, they are demanding that such a space be designated for sweethearts, who at present find themselves struggling for privacy in spots like the Z-Bridge at Deccan, along the riverbed or on the various tekdis, where they more often than not face persecution from miscreants or conventional citizens.The group’s letter has also asked that a decision on the same be declared on the eve of this year’s Valentine’s Day, coming up this week on February 14. Further, they have threatened to protest outside the PMC main building if no announcement is made in their favour.Formed in 2015, Right to Love comprises a spectrum of members, including lawyers, students, IT professionals, counsellors and social workers. They claim to be working to protect the rights of those in love, and have also conducted protests against discrimination under the archaic section 377 (unnatural sex) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which was read down last year, and was known to target the LGBTQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, and asexual) community. In 2018, the group had also agitated against violence perpetrated by Rightwing groups against the celebration of V-Day in public places and on college campuses.Member Vikas Shinde asserted to Mirror, “Pune is an education and IT hub. A huge young population resides here. Yet, they clearly have no space to enjoy time with a lover or partner. Love is the right of each individual. It needs to be respected. Spaces are required to enjoy quality time with each other, without interference from the authorities or violent mobs. In the name of moral policing, cops unnecessarily harass couples. So, a garden designated for them could be a step forward, even as Pune is transforming into a ‘Smart City’.”Shinde added, “In the past, incidents have taken place in which couples have been shunted out from sitting around Deccan’s Z-Bridge or at the Mutha riverside road. Crimes like rape, molestation and robbery have also been reported against twosomes onHill, Hanuman Tekdi, Symbiosis Hill,, Chaturshringi Hill, Taljai Hill or thePune University (SPPU) lawns. The designated garden we are asking for is truly the need of the hour.”Emphasising that a “progressive city like Pune should not take a regressive stance”, member K Abhijeet said, “We launched this group to help couples in love, who are so often brutally attacked by their own family members, if not outsiders. Now, this is our latest push for the right to love, which is one of the most natural and beautiful emotions.”Another female member, who chose to stay unnamed, said, “At present, there are some 110 gardens around Pune. All we ask for is one. Most couples just want to sit and talk. Having such a space will put them at ease. They can enjoy their private time without fear of being victimised.”Opining on this development as a member of the public, SPPU student Akshay Mandalkar agreed, “So many young couples need a place to spend time without constantly looking over their shoulders. But, they should also avoid indecent behaviour in public spaces so as to not inconvenience others.”However, PMC garden department’s chief superintendent, Ashok Ghorpade, didn’t seem entirely convinced. He said, “We have received the communication on Monday, but a final decision can only be taken after considering all legal aspects. If we provide such a ‘couples-only’ garden, the rights of others, like children or elderly citizens, could be compromised. Moreover, PMC can’t be held responsible for any untoward incident in such a space. We will take a call only after proper scrutiny of the pros and cons.”

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