BMC to hold talks for special project

The civic body has planned a special project to increase and improve open spaces in the city.

The civic body has planned a special project to increase and improve open spaces in the city.

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The BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has allocated Rs 1 crore in the civic budget for 2012-13 for consultation to carry out the Mumbai’s Open Space project, aimed at increasing the open space area in the city.

“The project includes the beautification of beaches, areas around gardens and the Mithi River. We aim to increase the number of open spaces in the city, for citizens’ benefit. The consultancy will give us a clear idea of the project. The details will be decided later,” said Rahul Shewale, chairman of the civic standing committee.

According to civic estimates, the total project could cost Rs2,000 crores and will add 9.74 sq km of open space to the city.

The civic authority is also planning to maintain the Flamingo Park at Sewri mudflats.

Welcoming the initiative, Asad Rahmani of Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) said: “If the BMC wants to preserve the area by keeping it clean or making seating arrangements for bird watchers, we would like to collaborate with them.”