Coming soon: policy on open spaces

chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, on Tuesday, announced an accommodative policy for protection and development of open spaces and plots reserved for amenities across Maharashtra.

Stating that time-bound development of plots would help prevent encroachment, chief minister Prithviraj Chavan, on Tuesday, announced an accommodative policy for protection and development of open spaces and plots reserved for amenities across the state.

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The Opposition claimed that most spaces meant for recreation grounds, playgrounds, gardens and civic amenities are encroached upon because of the apathy of civic bodies.

Madhuri Misal (BJP) said that of the 739 plots reserved for amenity spaces by the Pune Municipal Corporation, only 128 were developed.

Supporting the need for protection of open spaces and plots, former chief minister Ashok Chavan said that civic bodies are unable to take cognisance of encroachments because of shortage of manpower and funds required for evacuation.

He said that the reservations are gradually lifted as the municipal corporations do not follow the due process to vacate the illegal occupants.

He said that the urban development department is framing an accommodative policy that would ensure time-bound development of the plots, to prevent encroachment.

“According to a court ruling, the municipal corporations are expected to develop reserved plots in ten years,” said Opposition leader Eknath Khadse.

Alleging that the reservations are vacated using political influence, he demanded a time-bound programme to clear encroachments.

Chief minister Prithviraj Chavan admitted to the involvement of vested interests and irregularities in vacating the reservation.

He said that the urban development department is in the process of framing a policy.

“We also are contemplating the use of the TDR system for the systematic development of smaller cities,” Chavan said.