Shiv Sena's last year promises of racecourse, theme parks unfulfilled

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray

With just three days to go before the BMC's budget 2018-19, mid-day has learnt that several ambitious promises made by the ruling Shiv Sena last year, are yet to see the light of day. During the approval of the 2017-18 budget in February last year, Sena had made an additional provision of Rs 150 crore for a total of 41 projects. A majority of these projects are still to make any headway.

The proposed theme park at Mahalaxmi Racecourse was mooted by Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray

Among these was Sena executive Uddhav Thackeray's pet project of building a theme park at Mahalaxmi Racecourse. While the project has been on paper for the last four years, during last year's budget, the BMC had assured to chalk out the blueprint for the project. The civic body had also made a provision of Rs 1 crore in the budget for the theme park.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior civic official said, "The proposal to develop a theme park at the racecourse had been passed in the general body meeting. Later, the proposal was sent to the state government for final nod as half of the racecourse land is owned by them. However, we haven't been able to make progress as the BJP-led state government is yet to approve it."

Likewise, the Sena had also assured to introduce tough policies and prepare a detailed action plan to combat rising pollution in the city. Former Standing Committee chairman and MP Rahul Shewale had first mooted this idea. In 2017-18, Sena had made a provision of Rs 1 lakh for the action plan. But, there has been no concrete development towards the initiative. Another mega promise was setting up a football and cricket academy for BMC staff and citizens, which again, has seen zero progress.

Another senior civic official from the BMC, who did not wish to be named, said, "The problem with the Sena is that there is hardly any leader who wants to follow up on these projects. There is a general lack of enthusiasm in the party. The party needs to act as the funds allocated for these projects will lapse within a year."

When contacted, Yashvant Jadhav, Shiv Sena group leader in the BMC, said, "A few projects are stuck because we are waiting for the state government's permission. We are coordinating with them and it should be resolved soon. Whatever promise we have made, will be fulfilled. If budget lapses, we will make provision for these projects again."

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