Malabar Hill residents garner support, to meet CM after Diwali

The Malabar Hill Citizens Forum (MHCF) has garnered the support of around 17,500 people, since beginning a signature campaign on September 30, who are against the proposed fire station inside the Priyadarshini Park in Napean Sea Road at Malabar Hill. The residents association has planned to meet Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis after Diwali to hand over the list of people who are against the proposed fire station as well as a swimming pool inside the park.

Susieben Shah, Secretary of MHCF said, "We have received an overwhelming response from residents across Mumbai as the park is used by all." Shah said they are expecting to have the support of around 40,000 people that by the time they meet the CM. The signature campaign will continue until then.

The draft Development Plan 2014-2034 of the city shows a fire station, sports complex and a government office. "The proposed fire station and swimming pool will consume half of the area of the park. We will submit the signatures of the residents to the chief minister and request him to remove the proposed fire station and sports complex from the draft Development Plan 2014-2034," said Shah. She added that a vacant place which is near the park can be used instead.

Help from hc

The Bombay High Court on Tuesday directed the BMC to file an affidavit stating “there is no other 10-sqm open area available anywhere else except the Priyadarshini Park”.
The court has been hearing a plea filed by MHCF challenging the BMC’s decision. Shah said that the HC has scheduled the next hearing for October 11.