Mumbai blueprint: BMC got 4,325 suggestions till April 1

Apart from experts and activists, even the BMC is surprised at the low number, and feel that more people need to write in, as the DP is the city’s blueprint for the next 20 years.

With just 20 days left, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) received 4,325 suggestions and objections on the draft development plan till April 1.

Apart from experts and activists, even the BMC is surprised at the low number, and feel that more people need to write in, as the DP is Mumbai's blueprint for the next 20 years.

The draft DP was presented by civic chief Sitaram Kunte on February 16 and was opened up for public suggestions and objections from February 25.

While political parties and activists are demanding that the April 25 deadline be extended, the civic body said it can’t do much. “We don’t have the power to extend the date, that needs to be addressed by the state government,” said an official from the development plan department.

Group leaders of the Congress and Shiv Sena have asked the civic chief to write to the state government, asking for the extension, and also that the draft DP be made available in Marathi.

However, BJP group leader Manoj Kotak said citizens should make it a point to send in their suggestions on time.

Experts, however, feel the DP can’t be refined as it has too many discrepancies.

Opposition leader Devendra Amberkar said the next 20 years of the city could not be decided within 60 days. “There are a lot of discrepancies that need to be checked. I have asked the civic chief to forward our letter asking for extension to the chief minister as well,” he said.

Trushna Vishwasrao, House leader in BMC and Shiv Sena corporator, said, “Our leaders have been taking up this issue with the state government as well. We will send a letter from the Mayor, asking for the extension.”