Not open to adoption? Only 15 of 189 grounds find takers
With no permission to use recreation grounds commercially, not many interested in adoption, says BMC
MUMBAI: Only 15 of the 189 playgrounds and recreation grounds put out for adoption under the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) interim policy for open spaces have found takers.
In the absence of a policy with stringent rules, the civic body decided to reclaim the 216 open spaces given out for adoption. Once the interim policy was out, the reclaimed plots were put out for adoption again, with a stipulated period and fee conditions. Twentyseven plots are still in possession of old adoptees.
According to BMC, citizen groups and NGOS, most of whom were handling the plots earlier, have approached them to adopt the plots in Chembur, Santacruz, Sion and Bhandup again. “There are no fresh applications. The old caretakers have reapplied to maintain the open spaces,” said an official from BMC’S garden department.
The interim open spaces policy allows private bodies to maintain open spaces as long as they provide non-discriminatory access, and free entry to citizens. The civic body also disallows commercial or political activities on the plot.
Under the policy, the interested parties have to apply to a ward-level committee, comprising civic officials, which will scrutinise their eligibility and allot spaces. The BMC is, however, entitled to take back the plots at any point, without any notice. Also, the adoptee will have to adhere to all conditions specified by BMC.
Citizen groups, who term the move land grab by private entities, insist the civic body should maintain the open spa- ces on its own. Naina Kathpalia of NGO Nagar said, “Our stand is very clear. BMC should maintain its open spaces just like they are maintaining Horniman Circle garden and Kamala Nehru Park. Also, if they want others to take care of the open spaces, they need a policy that will allow adoption for a maximum of three to five years.”
A senior civic official said the poor response is a result of the clause that disallows commercial activities on the plot. “Adoptees may agree to give free access to the public, but not necessarily to restrict commercial activities. The rules in the policy are so stringent that the interested parties don’t find it financially feasible to maintain the open spaces,” said the official.