BMC not reclaiming open spaces of BJP, Shiv Sena leaders
The civic body has not implemented the policy fully as it has shown no interest to take back 28 RG/PG plots of which most of them are in possession of BJP and Shiv Sena leaders.
In November 2017, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had passed an interim policy for the city's open spaces where it had to reclaim 216 recreational grounds/playgrounds (RG/PG) from the private entities so that indiscriminate access can be given to the common public. However, after five months, the civic body has not implemented the policy fully as it has shown no interest to take back 28 RG/PG plots of which most of them are in possession of BJP and Shiv Sena leaders.
Deputy Municipal Commissioner for Gardens, Kishore Kshirsagar confirmed that the BMC administration has not served any further notices to the caretakers of the remaining 28 plots. The objective of the open space policy was to provide non-discriminatory and free access to common public in municipal gardens and playgrounds and stop all commercial exploitation of the grounds. BJP MP Gopal Shetty and former BJP MLA Ram Singh Thakur, when contacted, refused to comment on the matter. Shiv Sena leader Ravindra Waikar was also unavailable for comment.