BMC reclaims garden from 'usurper' hsg society

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has taken over a garden plot of around 11,000 sq ft in Cuffe Parade which was allegedly being used by a housing society as private property. The society had also denied the public from accessing the garden which was manned by its own security guard. The civic body vacated the plot last week.

On November 16, the Bombay High Court had directed the BMC to take over the garden plot from the society after hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Sanjay Kokate to highlight the plot's misuse. The court observed that the "public was kept in the dark and the civic body officials were working hand in glove to deprive locals of public space meant for them."

A senior civic official from the A ward confirmed that they vacated the plot on November 22 following the court order. He said that the plot would be kept open during visiting hours for the common public. "We will also construct a wall along the society which had encroached the plot to prevent direct access to the garden from the society building," added the official.

According to the official, the society was given 5,000 sq ft area of the 16,000 sq ft garden plot to construct a gymnasium. 

However, the society encroached the whole plot and posted its own security, and denied access to the public. Residents from the society even used the plot to park their vehicles. The official added that the BMC will be posting its own security at the plot and maintain the garden henceforth.

COURT DIRECTS, BMC ACTS

• On November 16, the HC had directed the BMC to take over the garden plot from the society.

• BMC vacated the plot on November 22 following the court order.