BMC considering new policy for redevelopment of civic markets

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is contemplating a new policy for the redevelopment of municipal markets across Mumbai after realising that not even one has been redeveloped under its previous policy.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is contemplating a new policy for the redevelopment of municipal markets across Mumbai after realising that not even one has been redeveloped under its previous policy.

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On Wednesday, the BMC told the Bombay high court that a new policy was under consideration. A division bench comprising justice PB Majmudar and justice Mridula Bhatkar was hearing petitions filed by vendors’ associations challenging the civic body’s decision to reject proposals for the redevelopment of their respective 12 markets.

They contended that the proposals were not placed before the BMC’s general body even though the court had issued specific directions to do so in July.

The petitioners counsel, VA Thorat, argued that the proposals were rejected merely because the BMC was preparing a new redevelopment policy.

BMC counsel Preeti Purandare told the court that the BMC had received 62 proposals for redevelopment, prepared in accordance with its 2002 policy. An Annexure II (lists of beneficiary shop owners) was approved in the case of 43 proposals and Letters of Acceptance were issued in the case of 18 proposals. However, none of the 18 proposals have been granted the Commencement Certificate.

The court has posted the petitions for further hearing on December 7.