Review RGPG policy, take over 200 plots: Maharashtra CM to BMC

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has asked the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to review its controversial recreational ground-playground (RGPG) policy. He has also asked the civic body to take over more than 200 open plots, which have already been allotted to various organisations under the old scheme.

The decision is seen as a huge setback for the ruling Shiv Sena, which was instrumental in getting the policy passed in the civic house with the help of BJP. Despite fierce opposition from civic activists, the controversial RGPG policy was passed by the BMC on Wednesday. Under the policy, open spaces in the city will now be allotted only on an adoption basis which does not allow any construction on the plot. However, citizen groups have slammed it and demanded that BMC maintain the open spaces on its own. A BJP delegation later met the CM and asked him to reconsider the policy. The CM acceded to their demand and assured them that city grounds and gardens will not be privatised. He also asked the BMC to make necessary changes in the policy and submit the report to him at the earliest. Later, he also tweeted it.

City BJP chief Ashish Shelar expressed satisfaction and said, “It would mean that Bandra Reclamation Ground, MET Ground, Linking Road, Patwardhan Park, Juhu Garden are liable to be taken back by BMC.”

MNS chief Raj Thackeray has vowed to start a signature campaign against the policy.