Mumbai: Activists wary of BMC’s ground adoption policy

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC has finally released the draft of its Recreation and Play Ground RGPG adoption policy According to the policy BMC intends to develop and maintain these grounds itself but still leaves room for adoption in exceptional casesActivists however suspect that BMCrsquos true agenda is to eventually offer these plots for adoption They also raise concerns about potential entry fees and time restrictions Additionally the policy allows previous caretakers to regain plots theyrsquove maintainedAfter a long wait BMC has issued the RGPG policy draft for public input Plots developed by BMC or with its funds wonrsquot be available for adoption The BMC plans to develop and maintain all RGPGs using its funds either through contractors or publicprivate partnerships Adoption may only occur in exceptional situations such as financial or technical challenges with proper justification as outlined in the policy draftActivist Godfrey Pimenta points out what he sees as a significant loophole saying ldquoBMC allows adoption by citing technical and financial reasons yet BMC has billions in fixed deposits What technical reason could they not resolverdquo Zoru Bathena another actvist adds ldquoBMC has the resources and capabilities to manage its gardens and playgrounds The only thing missing is the willrdquoCivic activists have sent a letter to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde opposing the adoption policy arguing that BMC is fully capable of managing these grounds without the need for adoptionAccording to the draft policy BMC will prioritise local school associations and local Advanced Locality Management ALM bodies when considering adoption requests During school hours which include 3 hours in the morning and 3 hours in the evening as well as all the time on holidays general citizens will be given free entry and some minimum facilities will be provided free of charge Fees may apply for specific sports and recreational facilities BMC will also consider registered Unions or Federations of Local Residentsrsquo Associations tradersrsquo Associations Shopkeepersrsquo Associations NonGovernmental Organisations public enterprises government institutions banks under Corporate Social Responsibility CSR institutions organisations and educational institutions promoting sports activities in civic wardsAlso read Maharashtra Seeking a way out of mess of stalled projectsBMC clarifies that individual adoption of recreation grounds or playgrounds will not be permitted Adoption agreements may last from 11 months to 5 years with the possibility of extension up to 10 years Construction on the adopted plots is restricted to security cabins and toiletsNo change in current holderThere are currently 11 grounds being maintained by private clubs or institutes often affiliated with influential political figures BMC plans to assume control of these plots by compensating the caretakers with 50 per cent of the construction cost for any facilities theyrsquove built However BMC also allows these caretakers the option to continue maintaining the plot BMC will establish the maintenance cost covering 50 per cent of it These caretakers will be responsible for plot upkeep while adhering to BMCrsquos guidelinesCitizen suggestions invitedCitizens can find the draft policy on the BMC portal at wwwportalmcgmgovin by navigating to ldquoBMCrdquo gt ldquoDepartment Manualsrdquo gt ldquoGardens amp Tree Authorityrdquo gt ldquoDocsrdquo Citizens can submit their suggestions or objections until October 10 2023 at 4 pm to the Garden Superintendent second floor Humbolt Penguin building Sant Sawta Mali Marg near Masina Hospital Byculla Zoo Byculla Alternatively they can send an email to dysgtamcgmgovinOct 10Deadline for citizens to submit suggestions