Mumbai: BMC releases draft policy on adopting grounds, parks; seeks citizens’ opinion

MUMBAI: After much back and forth, the BMC on Friday released a draft proposed policy on the adoption of recreation grounds and playgrounds in the city. The BMC has sought citizens' suggestions and objections on the policy, which has been uploaded on its website until October 10.
Under the proposed rules, a consortium of local schools, local area level management (ALM) groups, either independently or in partnership with sponsoring organizations, will be eligible to apply.Individual applications will not be accepted. Additionally, registered unions or federations of local residents associations, traders associations, shopkeepers associations, and NGOs may also submit applications.
Organizations adopting these open spaces will not be permitted to use them for commercial purposes, but will be encouraged to promote sporting activities there, the draft policy states. It further outlines that while citizens will enjoy free access to these spaces, individuals using sports and recreational facilities established by the adopting institutions, with capital expenditures incurred by them, may be charged a fair rate mutually agreed upon with the BMC.
The draft policy also sets specific criteria for institutions to secure open spaces for adoption. Developed grounds and parks that require capital expenditures of less than Rs 500/sq m for upgrades will be given for adoption for 11 months. Those which are half-developed and require capital expenditure ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 2,000/sq m for upgrade will be entitled to a three-year adoption period, while almost-undeveloped spaces which need over Rs 2,000/sq m capital expenditure for a makeover will be allowed for a five-year adoption. There's an option to extend this period to up to 10 years, contingent on capital expenditure for improving the open space and return earned. The BMC commissioner will be the competent authority to take the decision, in such cases.
To ensure transparency and accountability, a scrutiny committee will be set up to assess proposals received from interested parties seeking ground adoption. Additionally, a monitoring committee will be formed to evaluate the quality of work performed by the organizations. This committee will comprise a local corporator, park superintendent, and a representative from the local ALM, convening at least once a month to inspect the adopted premises. But activists, including Zoru Bhathena, have voiced concerns, stating that the BMC, with ample resources, should retain the responsibility for maintaining open spaces without resorting to adoption.