Caretakers to keep RGPG plots

Citizens’ groups, NGOs and organisations in possession of recreation grounds-playground (RGPG) plots in the city may be allowed to continue maintaining them, despite chief minister Devendra Fadnavis directing the BMC to take back all the 216 plots that are currently not in the possession of the BMC. This will now be possible as the current RGPG policy is set to undergo a significant change.

Taking a fresh approach to tackle the long-standing debate about the fate of RGPG plots in Mumbai, the civic body will now introduce a new category under the present RGPG policy, by which plots taken on a caretaker or adoption basis can continue to be maintained by the plot-holders. This is possible as long as the plots qualify within the three criteria put out by the BMC, including non-discriminatory access to the plot, zero entrance free, and adherence to timings as decided by the BMC.

This policy is currently being drafted by the civic administration, which will present it to the group meeting of leaders of all political parties for their approval, by the end of this month. Once it is cleared by the group leaders, it will be taken up for vote in the BMC’s general body meeting.

Sources in the BMC said, “As the present RGPG policy is under review, we have created an entirely new category, by which plots will come neither under the umbrella of caretaker category nor the adoption category.”

While the BMC was in the process of taking back its 216 plots, it noticed that some organisations were doing a ‘good job’ of looking after the open spaces they had, and had allowed the public access to them as well. It has sent out 127 notices so far out of the 216, and has received custody of 120 plots, even as seven other are in litigation.

A civic official said, “As long as the open spaces are well maintained, and the common Mumbaikars has access to them, it is immaterial whether the BMC looks after them or a private organisations ties up with the civic body to do the job.”

In the first phase of the new draft policy, the BMC has identified up to 27 gardens/playgrounds, which qualify under the third new criteria. Sources said these include plots maintained by organisations such as Johnson & Johnson, Reliance, and Tata Trust. Any other organisations out of the 216, which are willing to comply by the criteria put forth by the BMC, will be allowed to maintain the gardens.

Sources said, “What is the harm if responsible citizens maintain the open spaces As long as they are well kept and public money is saved. Our only condition is that no advertisements are allowed inside the garden. One small signboard outside the plot can read the name of the plot along with the trust which maintains it. It is mandatory for this signboard to carry BMC’s name as well.”