BMC to file caveat for open spaces in Mumbai

According to senior civic officials, the caveat is a pre-emptive measure in case organisations that have received the notice create problems in handing over the plots

Learning a lesson from the desilting scam, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will file a caveat in the Bombay high court (HC) for the notices being sent to reclaim open spaces.

Following an outcry over the new open spaces policy, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered the BMC to take over 216 plots that were given to private entities under the earlier adoption policy. (File photo)

According to senior civic officials, the caveat is a pre-emptive measure in case organisations that have received the notice create problems in handing over the plots.

Following an outcry over the new open spaces policy, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered the BMC to take over 216 plots that were given to private entities under the earlier adoption policy. He has also asked the civic chief to review the policy.

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The BMC has so far sent 36 notices to organisations, which include Horniman Circle garden, Memonwada playground, Bhagwandas Todi children’s park in Marine Drive and AK Vaidya garden in Bandra (West).

Confirming the development, municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta said, “We are clear that we do not want any problems with organisations handing over the plots. We want the plots back as their tenure is over. The caveat is a pre-caution.”

Apart from these organisations, the H/West Federation is also planning to file a PIL against the policy. The NGO has called for a meeting late this week to discuss their strategy.