BMC plans redevelopment for open spaces in Mumbai

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Development and beautification may deprive the common Mumbaikar of his right to use open public spaces. The BMC plans to privatise playgrounds and recreation grounds across the city. CNBC-TV18 reports that citizens fear that this initiative may turn out into a land grabbing exercise.

Laughing away all your worries, taking in the fresh air, or simply chatting up an old friend and other such pleasures of the neighbourhood park may soon become a thing of the past for Mumbaikars if BMC has its way.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is considering a proposal to hand over 41 major public recreation grounds to private players for redevelopment.

Sunil Prabhu, Leader of the House at BMC, said, "The land will be used to promote sports, build toilets, maintain gardens and build indoor stadiums under a 10-year caretaker policy."

According to the policy, open spaces above 15,000 square meters would be given to private parties. 25% land of these large parks would be given for construction of clubs, sports facitilites and any other use the agencies deem fit.

While the remaining 75% would be open to the general public.

But going by past experience, where private players were allowed, NGOs and citizens think this policy would only make these places inaccessible to the common man.

Nayana Kathpalia, Co-convenor, Citispace believes, "The club area is often restricted and entry to other areas is for only for 2-4 hours. That is just not enough."

"It is totally unacceptable because ultimately it will be for their own use and nothing will be left for the public," feels Amrish, a citizen of Mumbai.

But the BMC argues that it is unable to maintain all the recreation grounds across the city and plans to discuss the issue further on the December 11.

Compared to the international standards of 4 acres of open spaces per 100 persons, Mumbai only has 0.03 acres per 100 persons and citizens fear that this new proposal by the BMC would only suffocate the city further.