Fate of two more open spaces still undecided

The civic body has expressed its intention to save three open spaces in Dahisar but the fate of two other open spaces in Juhu and Chembur is undecided.

The civic body has expressed its intention to save three open spaces in Dahisar but the fate of two other open spaces in Juhu and Chembur is undecided.

HT Image

The first plot, admeasuring 2,980 square metres, is in Juhu. Owned by the Juhu Vile Parle Development Cooperative Housing Association, it was reserved for setting up an international library.

The association sent a notice to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on January 19 asking it to buy the plot for Rs 17 crore by January 2011 failing which the association would use it.

The proposal to purchase the plot was brought up before the civic Improvements Committee two months ago but no decision was taken. “The suburbs need an international library. The civic body should initiate the process of acquiring the land,” Nationalist Congress Party corporator Vidya Chavan said.

The second plot, reserved for a playground, is spread over 1,423 square metres at Chembur and is owned by a person named Kamlesh Pandey. The purchase notice for this plot for Rs 4.20 crore, which includes the cost of relocating those who have encroached upon its, was served in April.

According to the rules, the owner of a plot sends a purchase notice to the BMC if the civic body fails to develop or maintain the reservation of the plot.

The city’s development plan shows what these plots are reserved for. The process of acquisition of the plot should begin within a year after the notice is served else the reservation of the plot lapses. After this, the owner can develop the plot the way he wants to.

The Improvements Committee says it wants to save these plots for civic amenities.

“We are in favour of purchasing them. These plots will be lost if the civic body doesn’t expedite the acquisition process,” said Improvements Committee Chairman Manoj Kotak.