Mumbai locals pen open letter to CM and Deputy CM, pleading for protection of public spaces

In a recent move, local residents of Mumbai have come together to write an open letter to the city's key policymakers, namely Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and BMC Chief IS Chahal. The content of the letter, which was made public last week on Wednesday, highlights the citizens' concerns over the city's open space policy and the need for its stringent enforcement.

This open letter comes in the wake of reports that Shiv Sena MP Gajanan Kirtikar and BJP MP Gopal Shetty had appealed to CM Shinde to revoke the halt on the open space policy, which facilitates the transfer of land through a 'caretaker and adoption' mechanism. This policy was annulled approximately eight years ago under Fadnavis's administration, following concerns over misuse of these spaces.

In the open letter, the residents have voiced their opposition to the revival of what they term as the "hijacking" policy. They commend Fadnavis for his decision to suspend the policy in the past and urge the current administration to follow suit. High-profile signatories of the letter include former Central Information Commissioner Shailesh Gandhi, open spaces NGO NAGAR’s trustee Nayana Kathpalia, among others. The letter points out that many prime plots are still encroached upon under the guise of 'adoption and caretaker'.

Kathpalia expressed hope that the suggestions and objections submitted before the pandemic outbreak would be taken into account. She emphasized the need for public consultation before finalizing any policies. Kathpalia added, "The BMC has the resources to maintain open spaces. We need robust checks and balances, and vigilant oversight on these spaces."

Echoing Kathpalia's sentiments, Gandhi stressed the importance of securing funds for the maintenance and supervision of these spaces. He said, "If the intent is genuine, an institution would willingly undertake the service of maintaining these grounds."

In the open letter, the citizens also demanded the revival of the private member’s bill proposed by BJP MLA Ashish Shelar. This bill aims to make the maintenance and caretaking of public open spaces a mandatory obligation of the BMC, rather than an optional one.

In conclusion, this open letter reflects the strong civic engagement of Mumbai's citizens and their commitment to preserving the city's open spaces. The ball is now in the court of the officials who need to respond to the citizens' plea and take necessary action to protect and maintain the public spaces for the greater good of the city.

This story was first published in ET Realty

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Mumbai locals pen open letter to CM and Deputy CM, pleading for protection of public spaces

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