MUMBAI: A 700 sqm plot reserved for open space in Vile Parle East, for which the acquisition process had already begun, is now being sought to be acquired under the accommodation reservation policy of the BMC.
Under the policy, the developer will get 30% of the plot approximately 200 sqm on which the entire FSI of the 700 sqm plot can be utilised, besides Transfer of Development Rights (TDR). The improvements committee will visit the site on Tuesday to decide whether the BMC should acquire the plot under the new policy.
The original proposal for acquisition was approved in 2017. The BMC had even deposited Rs2.5 crore with the collector’s office for it. In 2019, the plot owner moved the HC, which in turn directed the proposal be reconsidered under accommodation-reservation policy. BMC’s senior counsel Anil Sakhare had then opined that the plot was less than 1,000 sqm and, therefore, the policy cannot apply.
Now the administration has sought to club adjoining plots reserved for a school and playground with the 700 sqm tract to show it is part of a larger plot. The proposal has been reopened stating that if the improvements committee chooses, it can be acquired under accommodation-reservation. BJP MLA from Vile Parle, Parag Alavani, said the three plots are owned by different entities, and questioned the BMC administration’s intention to club the three plots to benefit the builder.
“If the improvements committee approves the acquisition under the accommodation-reservation policy we shall challenge the decision in court,” said Alavani, who had initiated the process for its acquisition as an open space.
“Vile Parle residents do not go to municipal school nor do they avail of medical services at municipal hospitals. Are they not entitled to at least amenities like open spaces. Why should the BMC which has Rs80,000 crore in fixed deposits not pay and acquire the plot for the benefit of residents?” asked MLA Alavani.
Local BJP corporator Abhijit Samant said the area has very few open spaces and applying the accommodation-reservation policy would mean the loss of 200 sq metres of the plot. “The cost of acquisition is less than Rs100 crore and the BMC can easily pay for the acquisition. Why must the public sacrifice its share of the open space?” he asked.
