Civic apathy could cost city three open spaces….Bhavika Jain
Delayed code of conduct means BMC can’t buy them before February, when time period lapses
Delayed code of conduct means BMC can’t buy them before February, when time period lapses
The city is on the verge of losing three plots reserved for open spaces as the proposal to purchase them is still pending with the civic general body. And, as the election code of conduct came into effect on Tuesday, no move to buy them back can be made anytime soon.
These purchase notice proposals were included on the agenda of the civic general body for approval in October, but Mayor Shraddha Jadhav didnt include them on the list of proposals to be tabled. These plots, one in Malad and two in Ambivli in Andheri have been reserved for a recreational ground, garden and a social welfare centre. The deadline to buy them ends in February.
As per election rules, the civic body cannot pass proposals on development work that will influence voters during the code of conduct. Rules state that these plots can only be saved if the election commission gives its approval for them to be tabled in the civic corporation.
Civic officials said the reservation period of a Malad plot and two Andheri plots will lapse if the BMC does not purchase them before February 7 and February 21 respectively. The owners of these plots have issued purchase notices to the BMC asking it to purchase the plots before the cut-off date.
The plot at Malad (P-North ward) measuring 1,477 sq m and costing Rs4.63 crore has been reserved for a recreational ground, while two plots in Ambivli, Andheri, in K-West ward measuring 412.50 sq m (cost Rs1.99 crore) and 240.20 sq mt (Rs1.06 crore) are reserved for a garden and community centre.
Bhalchandra Shirsat, chairman of the improvements committee, said he has written letters to the mayor and leader of the house asking them to clear these proposals before the code of conduct sets in. We passed these proposals in the improvements committee as open spaces are scarce in the city. But only the mayor can explain what stopped the general body from clearing them, Shirsat said.
Jadhav said, I will have to check the records before commenting.