52% Bmc-acquired plots still not legally theirs
NO NAME ON PROPERTY CARD We’ve started the process to transfer the plots legally to BMC’S name. We also have some plots which were acquired by the DP dept. These will be transferred in our name. PARAG MASURKAR, assistant commissioner (estate department)
MUMBAI: Despite repeated instances when the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has lost prime plots meant for the city’s development owing to ownership issues, the civic body seems to not have learnt a lesson.
According to information provided by the estate and development plan (DP) departments, around 52% of properties which have been acquired by the BMC are yet to get the civic body’s name on the property card.
This information comes at a time when the civic body has been facing flak for losing prime plots in various areas such as Jogeshwari and Dindoshi owing to ownership issues. These plots are reserved for civic amenities or are old properties owned by Bombay Improvement Trust (BIT).
According to the information provided in a meeting between the estate, DP departments with the improvements committee, the deputy municipal commissioner and chairman of the improvements committee, out of the total 5,409 properties which have been acquired by the BMC, 2,828 are yet to get the civic body’s name on the property card.
Of the 5,409 properties, 4,788 are under the estate department and 621 are under the DP department. Of the 2,828 properties, 2,377 are under the estate department, while 451 are under the DP department. To get its name on the property card, the BMC has to submit the relevant documents to the collector’s office. Of the 2,377 properties, the estate department has submitted documents for 1,713 properties and in case of the 451 properties under the DP department, documents have been submitted for 192.
Parag Masurkar, assistant commissioner (estate department) said although the property card does not have the BMC’S name, the development of the plot can continue. However, to avoid any legal battles, it is better to get the property legally transferred.
One such example is the Dindoshi plot case where the city’s largest housing project for PAPS was being planned. Citing failure to acquire the plot, the Bombay HC had ordered the civic body to give back the land to its owners.
The improvements committee has been facing a lot of flak for giving up prime plots in the garb of encroachment or delay in acquiring the plots.
Dilip Lande, a Shiv Sena leader who was also part of the meeting and who heads the committee, in a letter said, “Next week, BMC officers from the estate and DP departments will go to the collector’s office with relevant documents and get the process started.” Masurkar said owing to regular follow-ups, 708 properties have been transferred in the BMC’S name since April 1, 2018.