Shinde asks Chahal to prepare report on building toilets, drinking water facilities at gardens, parks

Chief minister Eknath Shinde has directed BMC commissioner I S Chahal to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) on providing basic amenities at the gardens, parks and playgrounds in the city

Chief minister Eknath Shinde has directed BMC commissioner I S Chahal to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) on providing basic amenities at the gardens, parks and playgrounds in the city.

Mumbai, India - July 05, 2022: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde addresses the media during a press conference at BMC Disaster Management Department, BMC Headquarters, in Mumbai, India, on Tuesday, July 05, 2022. (Photo by Bhushan Koyande/HT Photo) (HT PHOTO)

“All the gardens, parks and playgrounds should have basic facilities such as toilets, drinking water and proper lighting. I am instructing the BMC commissioner to prepare a DPR at the earliest,” he said in the assembly on Tuesday.

Shinde also announced that 10 ‘good quality’ toilets each along the Eastern Express Highway and the Western Express Highway would be constructed. Further, more toilets would come up on Marine Drive promenade that currently has only one, the CM said.

BJP legislator Ashish Shelar said the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act does not make it mandatory on part of BMC to look after the creation and maintenance of open spaces and claimed that he was earlier promised on the floor of the house that an amendment to the law would be made.

Industries minister Uday Samant, who is holding the charge of urban development department, assured Shelar that his demand would be met.

As per BMC records, there are 277 gardens, 477 recreation grounds, and 347 playgrounds in the city. Of the city’s total area of 347 sq km, 14 sq km are reserved for open spaces.