Mumbai: The Shiv Sena legislators have alleged excess interference by the State government in the implementation of the Development Plan (DP) 2034, and questioned the special powers awarded to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation commissioner in lifting land reservations.
In a letter submitted to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday, the Sena pointed out that the yet-to-be published excluded part (EP) of the DP has been made available for suggestions and objections only in English.
“The State has made over 350 changes to the land use reservation, of which 85% are of grave concern. We are concerned about the special powers awarded to municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta in this aspect,” Sena MLC Anil Parab said.
The Sena also questioned the rationale behind the decision to form an EP for the Development Control and Promotion Regulations from which definitions of affordable housing, layout/plot, recreation ground/open space, and reservation have been deleted.
The party pointed out that the DP does not demarcate gaothan and koliwadas. “This clearly shows the government’s intention to neglect the original inhabitants of Mumbai,” Mr. Parab said.
Even as the State has released the sanctioned part of the DP, the EP, which includes important details and changes in construction rules, is yet to be made public. The government has invited suggestions and objections, though the document is yet to get approval.
“We have asked the CM not to rush and take experts’ opinion before going ahead, to which he has agreed,” a Sena minister said.