Scrap the new policy on open spaces: Congress tells Mumbai civic chief

Pic/Mumbai Congress

Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad on Monday said the draft policy on open spaces must be scrapped by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

She further said approving the policy without discussing it with public representatives elected by the city's two crore citizens was "illegal" and "dangerous for democracy".

A Mumbai Congress delegation, led by Varsha Gaikwad, comprising former MP Milind Deora, former state minister Naseem Khan, and others met BMC commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal on Monday and handed over a memorandum pointing out flaws in the new policy.

The Mumbai Congress claimed that as per BMC's old policy regarding vacant lots, the corporation had given plots on lease to many developers or organisations. In that, construction of offices or buildings was allowed on only 25 to 30 percent of the total area. However, along with construction, sports and other activities were expected to be carried out. The Mumbai Congress said that out of the total developers and organizations, around 27 minted crores by simply setting up offices and buildings without conducting any sports or activities.

The Mumbai Congress said that, as per the new policy, it has been decided to refund 50 percent of the total building cost and other construction on the plot without taking the plots back from the developers and institutions. Moreover, the plot will be given to the same developer or organization for the next 10 years.

"This means that these developers are earning crores. Apart from that, these very people will be taking possession of the plots again according to the new policy," Varsha Gaikwad explained.

At present, there are 1,104 vacant lots in Mumbai spread across an area of 562 hectares. 1,000 of these are already developed by the corporation, while 53 sites have been offered to developers. Now the question of the remaining 40 spaces remains and all this chaos is for these 40 spaces, the Mumbai Congress claimed.

"But BMC spent Rs 1,700 crores only on beautification, which is of no benefit for Mumbaikars. The BMC can spend Rs 350-400 crore more and develop these plots, which will be useful for Mumbaikars," said Varsha Gaikwad.

The Mumbai Congress also demanded that the party be allowed to reopen its sealed office in the BMC headquarters.

The party also objected to offices being provided in the headquarter complex to Mumbai district guardian minister Deepak Kesarkar and Mumbai suburban district guardian minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha.

Gaikwad said the Congress has also questioned the civic commissioner about discriminatory treatment over the allocation of funds.

"It is unconstitutional to take such an important decision through an administrator appointed by the state government when the BMC corporators are without any power. The intention behind this seems to be to benefit 27 people. But nobody spared a thought for Mumbaikars. Open spaces are a fundamental right of Mumbaikars and a policy which encroaches on it is completely unjust," said Gaikwad.