The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken over 76 open spaces that were given away on the previous adoption policy.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken over 76 open spaces that were given away on the previous adoption policy. As the civic standing committee passed the proposal of maintenance of open spaces, the process of acquiring the remaining plots would now be expedited, said officials.
The BMC aims to take over 216 open plots in the city that were issued notices as their agreement had expired. After the controversial new open space policy was passed in the BMC recently, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, taking note of the public wrath, had asked the civic body to review the policy. He also asked the BMC to take back 216 open plots that 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.
Additional municipal commissioner Sanjay Deshmukh said, “The BMC has taken over 76 plots so far. These open spaces are presently maintained by ward offices. However, it has been observed that it would not be possible for the civic body to maintain them on its own. Hence, it has decided to hire contractors for the maintenance job.” The civic standing committee on Wednesday passed the proposal to appoint ward-wise contractors for the maintenance and development of 237 gardens, grounds and open spaces, two road dividers and five other places at the cost of Rs 243 crore. The works include installation of gym and playing equipment, landscape, plantation of decorative plants etc.
“As the proposal has been cleared by the standing committee, we will now expedite the process of taking back the remaining plots, which were issued notices,” said Mr Deshmukh.
However, leader of Opposition Pravin Chheda expressed apprehensions.
