Mumbai: BMC to take back 25 open spaces maintained by organisations controlled by politicians

The state government of Maharashtra has announced that Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will take over the 25 recreations grounds and playgrounds in the city which are under politicians for maintenance within the next 15 days.

The parks have been allotted to private organisations under BMC’s maintenance policy between 1987 and 2006. Maha CM Devendra Fadnavis abolished the policy two years ago. Most of the grounds and playgrounds had been converted into private clubs and violated the requirement of allotting a specified area for public use.

Urban development of Maharashtra Ranjit Patil told the house that 187 agreements have been scrapped. From the remaining 29, four are stuck in litigation, while which are remaining will be restored in the next two weeks. Parks will be taken back from private organisation which are controlled by political leaders of ruling parties, including minister of state for housing Ravindra Waikar and BJP MP Gopal Shetty. Shiv Sena legislator Anil Parab asked that ground allotted to Mumbai Cricket Association in Kandivli also be restored. Patil said the ground has been given on 30 years lease and will be taken back if it has violated norms.

The restoration grounds will be re-allotted under the new policy.