Confusion over list of open spaces to be taken back

There is ambiguity over Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s list of 216 open spaces, whose agreement has expired. Names of organisations figure in the list despite not being allotted plots, whereas some that have been given the plots, are missing from the list.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has asked the BMC to take back 216 open plots, which were given on previous adoption policy and whose agreement is not valid anymore.

The list of these plots, released by the civic body, includes many prominent recreational grounds and playgrounds (RGPGs) in the city, maintained by politicians’ trusts, corporates and gymkhanas. However, many corporators have alleged that the list is erroneous.

The list mentions that the amenity plot near Loyed Tower, Wadala, has been allotted to M/s Madhukar Vishwasrao Shikshan Shanstha, which belongs to senior Shiv Sena corporator and BMC house leader Trishna Vishwasrao. But she has denied having received any plot from the civic body.

Raising the issue in the civic standing committee, MNS group leader Sandeep Deshpande said, “It shows that there are many flaws in the list. It is also an attempt to malign the image of corporators. The BMC should verify and release the corrected list to dispel any doubts about it.”

Ms Vishwasrao said she had asked for two plots for education and playground purposes way back in 2007 and even paid fees for them. However, civic officials later told plots cannot be given to her.

There is a possibility that names may be missing from the list even though they have been allotted open spaces.

The BMC should take action against officials who have given wrong information, said BJP group leader Manoj Kotak.

Meanwhile, after serving notices to 36 organisations in the first phase, the BMC will issue notices to another 25 open spaces in its next course of action.

BMC to approach courts To pre-empt possible attempts by private agencies to stall its action of taking over open spaces, the BMC has decided to file caveats in the high court and city civil courts.

“There is a strong possibility of any of these agencies moving the court and getting a stay on BMC’s action. Before giving any verdict, we want the court to listen to our side. Hence, we have decided to file caveats in courts,” said a civic official.