BMC approves Oshiwara land reservation changes for housing project
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has approved changes to land reservations on two adjoining plots in Oshiwara, Andheri West, opening up more than 1,400 square metres of land for development. The decision, cleared by the BMC's Improvements Committee, removes a designated space for public amenities and a recreational ground to make way for a housing project and a post office.
Under the newly approved proposal, a 1,140-square-metre plot that was previously reserved for public amenities has been redesignated for housing. Additionally, an adjoining 297-square-metre recreational ground has been converted into a reservation for a post and telegraph office.
Both proposals originated from the Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (MHADA). In its proposal, MHADA argued that the existing Oshiwara redevelopment layout already provides essential public amenities, including a playground, a municipal primary school, and a secondary school, thereby meeting planning norms.
A civic official defended the proposal, noting that the land belongs to MHADA, which has the authority to seek changes to its reservation. The official stated that the project is part of a slum rehabilitation scheme aimed at providing housing for economically weaker sections. The official also stated that the project would include the mandatory allocation of open space as per planning norms.
The decision in Oshiwara follows recent backlash over a similar land reservation change in Bandra, where MHADA sought to convert the 8,450-square-metre Neville D'Souza Football Ground at Bandra Reclamation into a convention and exhibition centre.
The reduction of recreational and public amenity spaces has raised concerns among residents. Under Development Plan norms, at least five percent of the land in every housing project must be reserved for open spaces or public amenities. Currently, civic records indicate that Mumbai has only 0.87 square metres of open space per person, which is far below the nine square metres per capita recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
