Mumbai: Is BMC abandoning adoption for PPP?

Even as its controversial draft recreation grounds and playgrounds (RG-PG) policy is coming under fire from citizens and political parties, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is considering setting up ‘international-level' facilities on civic open spaces under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. The committee appointed to draft the RG-PG policy will soon suggest various ways to factor in public comments.

After much back and forth, the civic body published the draft in the first week of September which introduces various criteria for the adoption of open spaces by private players. Plots developed by the BMC or with its funds won't be available for adoption. Civic officials clarified that no gardens will be given up for adoption and the rate of facilities at playgrounds will be decided by BMC. The draft was opposed by citizens, NGOs, and political parties.

Prabhavati Devi Shyamnarayan Singh playground at Thakur village, Kandivli on April 4, 2021. Pic/Satej Shinde

Citizens' suggestions

The BMC received around 100 suggestions by the last date for submitting comments, October 10. The committee, which comprises civic officials of various levels, including those in the garden and law departments, has studied the suggestions. "Most of the suggestions were about not giving open spaces up for adoption and the civic body maintaining them itself. Some said we should not allow any political party or person to adopt open spaces. Some even suggested installing sports equipment on playgrounds," said a civic official.

The committee has discussed these ideas and will soon put them in front of the municipal commissioner.

PPP model

Amid fears of open spaces being taken over by private entities, the committee has been also considering a PPP model for BMC gardens. "There are demands for international-level facilities for sports such as tennis and cricket. Though the BMC may put money into developing them, it doesn't have the expertise to set up sports facilities. And this is not even its job. So there needs to be some sustainable model for developing such facilities for the citizens and so we are discussing some of the options involving the PPP model," said an official.

Under the PPP model, fees will be decided and collected by the BMC and a part of the funds will be given to private institutions. So, the civic body will still be in charge. "Some visitors may be allowed to enter at subsidised rates or facilities will be made available to regular people at a specific time of the day. These all are just suggestions. The final discussion hasn't happened yet. The final suggestions will be put in front of the civic chief, and he will take a final decision," added the official.

Asked about the committee bringing about changes in the policy depending on the suggestions, Ashwini Bhide, additional municipal commissioner, said, "As it is still in the process, nothing can be said."

ActivistSpeak

Right to Information activist Anil Galgali pointed out that the BMC hasn't been successful in taking back the civic gardens which were given up for adoption. "Why didn't the BMC mention this PPP model in the draft? They not only cheat the common public but also state-level politicians. Even if we assume that their intentions are good, who will implement it strictly? The earlier policy looked good on paper but the plots are still with private persons," said Galgali. He added that there are several sports clubs already developed and run by the BMC so the civic body cannot say that they do not have expertise when it comes to such things.

September discussion

Mangalprabhat Lodha, guardian minister, Mumbai Suburban district, had organised an open discussion over the draft policy in September at the BMC headquarters.

During the discussion Shailesh Gandhi, the former central information commissioner, said that the policy was not in favour of citizens. "Public land belongs to the common people of the city. How can the BMC give this land to private institutions?" Gandhi said in the meeting. Deputy Municipal Commissioner Kishor Gandhi replied that their idea was to develop at least one open-to-sky sports complex in each ward. He had also claimed that the BMC would have full control over these playgrounds and permissions would be revoked if caretakers misused them.

Oct 10
Deadline for submitting suggestions