In response to public outcry, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has scrapped a controversial draft policy concerning open spaces, confirmed by BMC Commissioner Iqbal Chahal. The policy, introduced in September 2023, aimed to lease playgrounds and recreation grounds to private entities and NGOs for up to five years, sparking widespread opposition. With concerns raised over potential exploitation and loss of control, the BMC has opted to maintain the existing adoption policy, allowing leases for eleven months. Chahal highlighted citizen concerns and stressed the importance of elected representatives shaping city policies. The decision, applauded by activists, signifies a victory for citizen engagement and the preservation of Mumbai's public spaces.
In response to widespread objections from citizens, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has officially scrapped a contentious draft policy regarding open spaces, as announced by BMC Commissioner Iqbal Chahal. The draft policy was unveiled in September 2023 and it proposed leasing playgrounds and recreation grounds to private entities and NGOs for up to five years. However, following vocal opposition, the BMC has opted to maintain the existing adoption policy under which open spaces can be leased for a period of eleven months.
Chahal cited the concerns raised by numerous citizens, who feared that granting open plots to private parties for extended periods could lead to potential exploitation by vested interests, ultimately depriving the BMC of control over these vital public resources. With 1,104 recreation grounds and playgrounds falling under the BMC's jurisdiction, covering a vast area of 562 hectares, the decision holds significant implications for Mumbai's urban landscape.
The BMC received over 100 written objections to the draft policy, prompting a reevaluation of its approach. Chahal emphasized the importance of such decisions being left to the elected representatives, as they shape the city's policies for years to come.
The decision to withdraw the draft policy was met with relief and applause from activists and concerned citizens advocating for the preservation of public spaces in Mumbai. While acknowledging criticism regarding the BMC's failure to reclaim 21 open plots previously allocated to private parties and politicians, Chahal clarified that these plots were not addressed in the draft policy. He stated that a committee on open spaces had recommended maintaining the status quo for these plots, indicating that they were outside the scope of the proposed changes.
The BMC's decision to withdraw the draft policy marks a victory for citizen engagement and underscores the importance of preserving public spaces for the benefit of all Mumbai residents.
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