Twitter
Advertisement

SPEAK UP: Who should look after open spaces: BMC or pvt parties?

Of 234, sixty plots remain to be taken back by the civic body. Citizens voice their opinion

Latest News
article-main
Priyadarshani Park at Nepean Sea Road is one of the plots BMC is yet to reclaim
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

The struggle by activists to reclaim the city's open spaces paid off when Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in January 2016 directed the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to take back all of its 234 open spaces which were handed over to private parties for maintenance. The objective was that all Mumbaikars should have access to gardens and recreational grounds in the city, as many BMC plots were being used commercially. Many plots were developed as sports complexes and gardens, but citizens were being charged for using the facilities. Around 70 to 80 per cent of open spaces were being rented out for weddings and parties, social activists say.

It has been more than a year and BMC is yet to take back 60 plots from the custody of private parties including NGOs, citizens' groups, and politicians. Some of the plots which BMC is yet to take back into custody are Priyadarshani Park on Nepean Sea Road, Mai Mangeshkar garden in Shivaji Park, Poisar Gymkhana, Thakur School, and college playgrounds in Kandivli and others.

Some Mumbaikars feel that as long as the plots are maintained well and everyone has access to them, the custodian does not matter. Others are wary of the open spaces falling into ruin if taken back by the BMC, and have signed signature campaigns against the move. Some say that they are ready to shell out money to private agencies or trusts to ensure that they are well-maintained.

DNA spoke to citizens across Mumbai for their opinions on whether the open spaces should be maintained by private parties or should be taken back by BMC for maintenance.

EXPERT SPEAK

It is a very good move by BMC as it will allow citizens greater access to open spaces. 70 to 80 per cent of the plots are given on lease for weddings, parties, and commercial events. BMC has the money and it is its duty to develop and maintain the public plots. It is the richest municipal corporation in Asia with huge manpower. Some of the plots are still well maintained even after being in BMC's possession. It can give access to all, unlike private parties. There should be accountability so that all open spaces are maintained well. People can just click photos and send them to the ward officer. If strict action is taken, the civic body can also maintain the plots.
Stallin D, environmentalist

We have been fighting for open spaces for a long time. In Mumbai, these spaces are not only given to private parties, but some are also ruined by builders. One of the biggest open spaces in Chembur was Subhash Nagar playground, but now there are only residential towers there. A garden plot in Mahul has been given to Dilip Vengsarkar for a sports club, and BMC has not yet taken it back. It is yet to take back many of its plots. The common public should have access to all open spaces. When BMC takes possession of all public plots, it should maintain them on a ward basis. BMC should publicise ward-wise data of the total number of plots to be taken back, who the contractor is, and the number of the handling officer who people can contact regarding the maintenance.
Rajkumar Sharma, social activist

VOX POPS

Priyadarshani Park, Nepean Sea Road

"We think the BMC should take over the park. There is no fire station in this area, and I have witnessed damage caused by a fire due to delay in the fire brigade reaching the spot from Nana Chowk. The private party that manages the park doesn't own this land. It was given by BMC for them to manage, which it is taking back now to care for it in a better manner and provide us with vital facilities like the fire brigade.
Heera Choudhary

BMC parks are a nightmare, they are not maintained. In they took over, toilets would be smelly and there would be no water. Presently, there is good harmony between nature and people; there are some people who, in the morning and afternoon, collect the garbage on their own volition, and because there are people who are responsible and look after it, others have become wary of throwing garbage. So we prefer things the way they are, and hope they stay the same.
Nirmala Aninchandani

Joggers Park, Bandra

I think our concern is justified. It is often believed that whatever goes into the hands of the government is spoiled or neglected. So far, the BMC has succeeded in keeping the park clean. However, it is too soon to judge. It will take some time to know if the new management has benefited us or not.
Simmi Rodrigues

I have been visiting this park for the past twenty years, and I haven't noticed any difference with the change in management. So I am quite indifferent to BMC taking over. The only change I have noticed is that earlier we were charged Rs 2 at the entrance, whereas now entry is free of cost. There is no difference in the security."
Jayshree P

Colaba Woods, Colaba

The cleanliness of the park has not been maintained. There has been an increase in the amount of dust. There was a separate park for children which has now been demolished for construction of the metro. BMC has arranged for children's swings in a park meant for adults, which has resulted in chaos. Numerous meetings were held, but all of them were futile. There was no one to listen.
Malatek Chandani

This is the only park in the area, which is oxygen-rich and has a lot of trees vital for our health. Without them, we would have a lot of problems. BMC should not take over the park, The least they can do is spare this space for us. Construction of the metro is good, but some place should be left for us too.
Ishwar Rathore

Horniman Circle Gardens

We are very unhappy with the management of BMC. This park was well maintained when it was in the hands of a private trust (TATA), we had no issues then. But now BMC is not even taking proper care of the water supply. Moreover, many of the shrubs and trees have been cut down which used to provide shade to people in the summer. Now barely any people visit this park because of poor maintenance.
Sham Rao Godbole

I have been visiting this park for the past 26 years, and have noticed a lot of changes. It was initially very well maintained, nobody would question the authorities. But after BMC took over, the security of the park is not taken care of, and people are harming the surroundings. Locals damage the fence to enter into the park, instead of using the main gate.
Taher Kachwala

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement