Opposition Accuses BMC of Privatising Civic Plots Across Mumbai

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) faced intense protests from opposition parties during a general body meeting on Tuesday over allegations of privatising civic properties, including public amenities in Andheri and across Mumbai, through public-private partnership (PPP) models.

Former mayor Kishori Pednekar from Shiv Sena (UBT) accused the civic administration of handing over open plots, municipal schools, gardens, playgrounds, and markets to private developers. Pednekar termed the policy "anti-Mumbai" and stated it would cause financial losses running into crores of rupees to the civic body. She alleged that private entities subsequently use these spaces to operate clubs, restaurants, and other commercial businesses, which restrict public access or charge citizens exorbitant fees.

Congress group leader Ashraf Azmi supported Pednekar's claims, alleging that land use reservations had been altered at 17 locations across the city over the past four years during the absence of corporators. Azmi tabled documents in the House related to one such proposed reservation change.

The allegations led to a heated dispute as governing alliance members objected to the claims. Opposition members raised slogans and waved placards inside the House, prompting Mayor Ritu Tawde to intervene, warn corporators against indiscipline, and order that placards be left outside the House.

Responding to the charges, Additional Municipal Commissioner Avinash Dhakane stated that the BMC is following all prescribed rules and procedures when inviting tenders under the PPP model. He said the administration's goal is to improve the use of vacant land, provide better facilities, and generate revenue.

Addressing a plot in Andheri that faced scrutiny over a proposal involving a trust run by BJP MLC Amrish Patel, Dhakane clarified that tenders were invited under the PPP model for the upgrade and maintenance of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Sports Complex. He noted that three bids were found eligible, with the bid submitted by the Vile Parle Sports Club deemed the most suitable.

Dhakane also defended other transactions, including the 30-year lease of a 25,543-square-metre plot at Century Mills in Worli to Peddar Realty Ltd for Rs 1,321 crore, stating the tender mandates the rehabilitation of around 650 residents with 405-square-foot homes. He added that proper procedures were also followed for the Bandra football ground, the leased SevenHills Hospital, and the proposed helipad at Worli jetty.