Despite the public outrage over permitting construction on public recreation grounds and playgrounds, politicians have begun rallying for lifting of the stay on the caretaker policy.
A plot is being hatched to claim the city’s depleting green lungs by the people who are responsible for safeguarding them.
The state urban development department’s recently asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to permit construction work on a 42,000 sq m public recreation ground allotted to the Sharad Pawar-led Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) at Mahavir Nagar in Kandivli.
Despite the public outrage over permitting construction on public recreation grounds and playgrounds, politicians have begun rallying for lifting of the stay on the caretaker policy. Under the policy, a portion (25%) of the open space allotted to private parties can be used for constructing building club houses, gymkhanas, restaurants and bars.
The state urban development directive had asked the BMC to withdraw a stop-work notice issued to the MCA. The civic body argued that no construction could be undertaken as the state had imposed a stay on the caretaker policy. However, the government claimed that it was not applicable to plots allotted before December 1, 2007, when the stay came in force.
The BMC not only withdrew the notice, but has also initiated the process of signing a “caretaker” agreement with the MCA. Meanwhile, the guidelines governing the policy remain stayed.
DNA had reported the issue on August 13. On Tuesday, the issue dominated the proceedings at the civic general body meeting.
Sunil Prabhu, Shiv Sena leader in the BMC, accused the state government of “favouring the Pawar-led MCA”. He demanded the withdrawal of the state’s directive.
The Sena camp accused the government of high-handedness, while their Congress counterparts dubbed the whole ruckus as a “political stunt”.
Instead of debating the state’s move to allow construction on the Kandivli plot, the leaders focused on the “special favour” granted to the MCA.
Despite public opposition, several politicians indicated that they were in favour of the stay being lifted.
Mayor Shraddha Jadhav will also be writing to the chief minister Chavan demanding a withdrawal of the MCA order.
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