The BMC has 1,500 gardens and 1,068 open plots under its jurisdiction, with a budget allocation of Rs500 crore for their upkeep. Ironically, nine clubs already allotted to political leaders in the past, have been kept out of this policy.
Lashing out at the Shiv Sena-ruled Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation for its recreational ground and playground (RG/PG) policy, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray announced that his party would launch an agitation to collect signatures against the move. Stressing that land earmarked for open spaces should not be diverted for other purposes, he alleged that this was part of a plan to hand over these plots to builders and private organisations.
The BMC general body approved the policy with the Shiv Sena and ally BJP supporting it. Under the policy, local residential societies will be given priority to adopt the RG/PG spaces and the maintained spaces will remain open from 6am to 9pm, among others.
The BMC has 1,500 gardens and 1,068 open plots under its jurisdiction, with a budget allocation of Rs500 crore for their upkeep. Ironically, nine clubs already allotted to political leaders in the past, have been kept out of this policy.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Thackeray, whose party had opposed the policy, said they would launch a signature campaign against the decision. In case the civic body does not roll back the plan, these signatures would be handed over to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis.
"Open spaces are the lungs of the city," he stressed, adding that otherwise, people would have no space to play or walk around. Raj said that the BMC's proposal would result in 1,200 acre of land being handed over to private builders and organisations by the BMC.
"Of course, though this has been approved in the BMC, it will not be accepted on the streets," he added, asking people to sign up as part of the MNS campaign without alluding any political colours to it.
"If you take such a stance against the citizens, then what is the use of coming to power," questioned Thackeray, adding that like in Nashik, whose civic body is controlled by his party, corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds could be used for the maintenance of open spaces.
On questions about the Shiv Sena's demand for a 'Mumbai Park' on the racecourse grounds located at Mahalaxmi, Thackeray said it was not as if the land was being used only for horse races.
"Everyday evening, many people from Mumbai go there to jog and walk. The ground is open for them. The club has not closed it for them," he added.
The Sena wants the 226 acre racecourse, whose lease ended after 99 years, to be developed as an open and recreational area, with the racecourse being given space outside Mumbai like in the case of other cities.
Thackeray, however, sought that a memorial for his uncle, late Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, needed to be constructed. He alleged that acid was being poured on the roots of trees to kill them.
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