Shiv Sena’s theme park plans in danger

Mumbai: The Shiv Sena’s plans of setting up an international theme park at the Mahalaxmi Racecourse might remain only on paper. In a severe jolt to the party, the state government has made it clear that it — and not the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) — will carry out the lease renewal of the racecourse plot.

The state government has informed the BMC that the lease renewal of Mahalaxmi Racecourse, various gymkhanas and similar plots would be done only after getting its approval. Separate directives will be issued for their lease rent rates, levy and its calculation.

The Mahalaxmi racecourse plot has been controversial, as Sena had demanded its lease should not be renewed and instead a theme park should be set up there. The total area of the racecourse plot is 8.55 lakh square metres, of which an area of 2.58 lakh square metres belongs to the BMC, while the rest is owned by the state government. In 1914, the BMC had leased out the green space to the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) for 99 years. The lease period had expired on May 31, 2013.

The state Cabinet in September last year had approved the renewal of ‘schedule W’ properties, which belong to the state government and are given on lease by municipal corporations. In the BMC jurisdiction, there are 160 such plots at prime locations, which have been given on lease to several institutes at nominal rates. They include lease agreements from 20 years to 99 years. While many of these agreements have not been renewed, the lessees have continued to occupy the land. The plots have been given for recreational grounds, gymkhanas and to institutes like social organisations, educational institutes, banks, police quarters, insurance companies, oil companies and other big industrial houses. The state government has allowed the BMC to renew leases of other plots, but it has made it clear the final decision lies with it in case of racecourse and gymkhana plots.

In the new policy, the plots, which were earlier leased at nominal rates, will now be given at current ready reckoner rates in the city. The lease will be renewed for a period of 30 years and the lease rates will be amended after 10 years. Of the lease amount, 70 per cent will be shared by the state government, whereas 30 per cent will be given to the municipal corporation.

Along with Mahalaxmi racecourse, ‘schedule W’ plots have also been allotted to major gymkhanas in South Mumbai. As per the state’s policy, the BMC will not be able to decide on their lease renewal too.

“We have to study the state government’s directives on schedule W properties in detail,” said Parag Masurkar, assistant commissioner (estate).

SP corporator Rais Shaikh has slammed the state government by saying it cannot be selective in its policy. “It is happening due to a tussle between the Sena and BJP. The latter is trying to show its dominance over the Sena. The policy should have been applicable to all schedule W plots,” he said.