BMC issues notices to 20 more ‘open spaces’

Continuing its process of taking back open spaces, which were given on the previous adoption policy to private parties, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued notices to 20 more plots in the city asking for them to be handed over to the civic body.

Some of the major plots, which have been served notices, include Vikas Udyan at Cuffe Parade, Rock Garden at Nepeansea Road, Aaji Aajoba Garden at Shivaji Park, Dadar, Vishnu Buva Kadam Udyan at Khar and Pestom Sagar at Chembur. They were served notices at the end of April.

The BMC has already taken over 76 open spaces so far. In the first phase, it took possession of 36 open spaces, which included prime open spaces like Horniman Circle. In the second stage, BMC gave notices to 24 organisations/trusts across the city asking them to hand over the plots. In the third phase 16 open plots were given handover notices.

After the controversial new open space policy was passed in the BMC, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, taking note of public wrath, had asked the civic body to review the policy. He also asked the BMC to take back 216 open plots, which were given on the previous adoption policy. The list of these plots, released by the civic body, includes many prominent recreational grounds and playgrounds (RGPGs), which are maintained by politicians’ trusts, corporates and gymkhanas.

After taking over these open spaces, the civic has decided to appoint ward-wise contractors for their maintenance and development. The civic standing committee recently passed a Rs 243-crore proposal for the maintenance of total 237 gardens, grounds and open spaces, two road dividers and other five places in the city. The works include installation of gyms, landscaping, planting decorative plants etc.