MBMC DP’s viral mess, handiwork of nervous builder lobby suspected

BHAYANDAR: While the twin-city and corridors of power in the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) is abuzz with the news of suspected leakage of a part of the new draft development plan (DP2017 to 2037) going viral on social media platforms prior to its tabling before the general body, it has been alleged that a section of nervous builders in an attempt to protect their own business interests had staged the mess to ensure that the 20-year vision hits a dead end. Social activist Rohit Suvarna has registered a complaint with the MBMC to probe the matter and ascertain the authenticity of the leaked portion. There is a public outcry over the DP being builderfriendly and limited to benefit certain stake holders. Meanwhile, the draft DP resolution has finally found a place in the agenda for discussions in the general body meeting on February 20. MBMC’s town planning wing, which is the primary planning authority of the twin-city under the relevant sections of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, shoulders the responsibility of preparing the draft DP. The draft is prepared after scrutinising the existing land use (ELU) and other parameters including a comprehensive open spaces policy, healthcare facilities, education and social amenities as required under the standards of the Urban Development Plans Formulation and Implementation guidelines which could prove disastrous for some developers who fear imposition of reservation on their multi-crore plots.—Suresh