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

Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad on Monday said the draft policy on open spaces must be scrapped by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMCShe further said approving the policy without discussing it with public representatives elected by the citys two crore citizens was illegal and dangerous for democracyA 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 policyThe Mumbai Congress claimed that as per BMCs 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 activitiesThe 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 yearsThis 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 explainedAt present there are 1104 vacant lots in Mumbai spread across an area of 562 hectares 1000 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 claimedBut BMC spent Rs 1700 crores only on beautification which is of no benefit for Mumbaikars The BMC can spend Rs 350400 crore more and develop these plots which will be useful for Mumbaikars said Varsha GaikwadThe Mumbai Congress also demanded that the party be allowed to reopen its sealed office in the BMC headquartersThe 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 LodhaGaikwad said the Congress has also questioned the civic commissioner about discriminatory treatment over the allocation of fundsIt 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