BMC to keep utilities at bay

To avoid contact with utilities, it explores potential of building car parks below open spaces

MUMBAI: It is clear now that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation will look below ground level for parking space, but to avoid meeting utility networks in the netherworld the authorities are exploring the possibility of digging under open spaces. 

“These places like playgrounds and BEST depots are devoid of any utilities. Developing underground parks below them will be simpler,” said joint municipal commissioner V Radha. The BMC is concerned about utility networks below ground level posing a major hindrance in its plans of underground car parks. Utility pipelines are usually anywhere between three to seven metres below the ground and to avoid contact with them, the BMC plans to dig 10 metres below for the car parks.

At least 21 such parking bays are proposed for the city up to Bandra. More than 16 networks, including phone cables, electric lines, gas pipelines, etc are located beneath city’s roads. Civic officials said that the corporation planned to issue a notice in the print media in the coming weeks seeking information on the presence of any utility below 10 meters.

The design and the draft document for the Siddhivinayak park, which BMC plans to develop on its own, is expected to be ready in two months. The BMC is also in the process of identifying a BEST plot in Bandra (W) for setting up a similar project.