Civic body proposes spaces for the young and old

MUMBAI: Apart from recognising the need to create provisions for women and differently-abled in the Development Plan (DP) 2034, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has also proposed special provisions for children and senior citizens in the recently released blueprint.

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In the draft, the BMC has proposed creation of composite areas that will include spaces for children along with areas for the elderly.

According to data, 17 per cent of the total population in the city will comprise people above the age of 60 by 2034.

Recognising this, the DP has proposed old-age homes of a minimum of 1,000 square metres in each ward in the city.

The DP has also made it clear that these homes should be built near hospitals and gardens.

The DP further states, “The revised draft proposes that these homes would be equipped with geriatric day-care centres. Some of these will be earmarked for elderly women.”

I t also provides various other services for senior citizens, including the installation of countdown pedestrian signals at intersections, strengthening public transport by providing low-floor buses and providing effective pick-up and drop services for the aged.

A senior civic official from the DP department said, “Most of these proposals are based on the demands raised by various stakeholders during the revision process. Once these proposals are a part of the plan, the administration will have to take effective measures to implement it by creating effective policies.”

The BMC released the revised draft on May 28 and has made it open to the public so as to receive their suggestions and objections in the next two months.

Citizens can also purchase copies from the BMC headquarters or view t he draft online on www.mcgm.gov.in.

Recognising the need for a gender-friendly city, BMC has also allotted a minimum of 2,000 square metres in every ward for empowering women.