Mayor, Commissioner differ on ULCA repeal

MUMBAI: Mayor Shubha Raul and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Jairaj Phatak have different views on the State government's decision to repeal the ULCA.
  
While Mr Phatak has welcomed the State Government's move to repeal the Act, the Mayor has said that the scrapping of the act will harm the city.
  
Speaking to reporters today, Mr Phatak said, ''The BMC welcomes the government's decision to repeal the ULCA as many plots of land will be open for the public for construction and recreation.'' He further added that the Centre's funds will alo be available after the scrapping of the ULCA.
  
On the other hand, Dr Raul said, ''The decision will be disastrous for the city as the builders lobby will be the biggest beneficiary after the scrapping of the act and Mumbai will become home only for the rich and the ultra rich and the middle or the upper middle class will not be able to afford a house in the city.''

Dr Raul added, ''The area of the new houses constructed in the city will not be less than a 1000 square feet and only the upper class will be able to buy it.''
  
The Mayor and the Commissioner also have different opinions about the BMC providing the basic amenities to the city. The Mayor has said that the corporation will be burdened with the supply of water and it will be difficult to provide infrastructure to the new constructions.

Meanwhile the Commissioner said that the corporation will provide the basic amenities to the new constructions.