Flying golf balls ‘putt’ Chembur housing society residents in a fix

Mumbai: When residents bought flats at Navjivan housing society in Chembur, they were thrilled that their windows accorded them a view of the lush green fields of the 100-year-old Bombay Presidency Golf Club. Little did they imagine then that they'd be ducking for cover from golf balls flying out of the very same fields.      In the last two months alone, residents have collected 50-70 balls that landed into their homes after shattering windowpanes. The society, which shares a boundary wall with the club, comprises 55 buildings and 600 flats. Seven of the buildings are the most affected, said residents.      Murali Iyer, a resident of Navjivan housing society, said his seven-year-old son was injured last month because of a golf ball. "The ball smashed the windowpane and landed in the bedroom. My son was sleeping in the room and was injured by glass shards that flew as the ball broke the glass," said Iyer. "Thankfully, my son's injuries were not major but I shudder to think of what could have happened."      Residents claim golf balls rain down on their society almost daily. Rajesh Nagpal, who resides in one of the buildings on the third floor, said the balls had smashed the glass on his French windows. "The attitude of the club's managing committee isn't good. They call us trespassers when we complain. I fear for my kids. Highend nets have been put in seven pockets except around the compound wall of our society. It's a global practice to have these nets to prevent the golf balls from entering homes," he said.      Simran Shivdasani, another resident, said senior citizens have stopped stepping out of their homes for walks for the fear of being hit by a ball. "Windscreens of cars have been damaged many times. The club must put up safety nets,"she said.      Ravi Raghavan, secretary of the Bombay Presidency Golf Club, said, "This club is 100 years old and was in existence even before the buildings came up. While buying the flats, residents knew their homes would overlook the golf course. I shall take up this issue with the general committee. I cannot comment now on the kind of barricades that can be erected. We paid for the damaged windows. It's good nobody was injured."  SCRAMBLING  FOR COVER  IN A FIX | Residents of Navjivan housing society in Chembur have been battling a barrage of golf balls from the nearby Bombay Presidency Golf Club. The society comprises 55 buildings and 600 flats  SAFETY HAZARD | The balls have been damaging windows and cars. A resident claims her seven-yearold boy was injured last month by glass shards which fell after a golf ball smashed the windowpane. Residents said senior citizens have stopped going out for walks for the fear of being hit In the last two months alone, residents of Navjivan housing society have collected 50-70 golf balls