Reported by The Times of India
Mumbai: Amid allegations that it is handing over the city’s open spaces to private players, BMC is seeking corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds to upgrade around 70 parks, gardens and lakes. An open spaces policy for the city has been in limbo for 10 years.
Opposition parties and urban planners cautioned against allowing third parties to carry out such work, saying it could serve as a “backdoor entry” to private entities to take over open spaces and restrict public access. BMC officials said all control will remain vested with the civic body.
Under the ‘Participate Mumbai’ initiative, companies that come forward will carry out the work as per the civic body’s specifications but won’t get any right to the land. They can only erect small commemorative plaques at the sites. They will have to spend around Rs 1 crore to Rs 5 crore per park depending on the size and the upgrade required.
BMC has also sought equipment and other installations for schools and hospitals, among other items, under the initiative.
Civic officials said Participate Mumbai is a unified platform connecting citizens, corporates and organisations to channelise CSR resources and volunteer efforts towards the city’s sustainable development. “The entire list of projects and items needed is put up on the Participate Mumbai portal.
