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NGO to help local groups save open spaces
Mumbai: An NGO, Karmayog has come forward to help citizens groups preserve open spaces in their localities. Its members have not only listed out guidelines, but have also promised to help find sponsors for residents groups, which are allotted the spaces.
The BMCs existing policy about the handing over of recreation grounds/ play grounds and gardens to private organisations states that allotment for adoption of plots is to be done by the civic body by inviting applications through public advertisements. Only when no response is received to two advertisements, can the BMC consider allotting these plots on caretaker basis, which allows construction on 25% of the plot.
The government has stayed the BMCs decision to give preference to the caretaker policy in case of large plots. However, the original policy, which says that plots with no takers under the adoption scheme will be handed over to private parties on caretaker basis, is still being followed.
The guidelines state that organisations applying for the allotment of plots should be registered under the Bombay Public Trust Act (1950), Society Registration Act (1960) and sports organisations affiliated to the national sports bodies. Preference would be given to organisations and corporates with prior experience in similar activities as well as to citizens groups.
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