Residents irked over BMC plan

Juhu residents are once again having sleepless nights. Through a right to information act (RTI), they found that BMC is now planning to close the Irla nullah adjoining the open space that is maintained by Ronson Foundation (RF).

Residents procured two sites plans through RTI - one dated 199 and the other 2006. However, the recent plan shows the nullah covered. Sanjay Hegde, president, Gulmohur Area Societies Welfare Group (GASWG), said “It is so insensitive of BMC to do something like this. If they close the nullah then how will the water pass?” Ashoke Pandit, member GASWG, said, “BMC is doing this only to help the foundation. They will slowly extend their boundaries and take over the nullah too.”

He further added that they now will protest to BMC’s decision by writing to the commissioner.

However, when contacted, Sohail Kusumgar, trustee of RF, said, “We haven’t requested BMC to cover the nullah. It’s their property and nobody can build anything over it.” SP Prasade, deputy chief engineer, storm water drain, BMC, said “There is no proposal to cover the nullah. We didn’t give out this information for the RTI.”