Mumbai: In what can be called as a jolt for BJP, its ally Shiv Sena has stonewalled the policy for renewal of lease for properties that have been given on lease by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). It means that the lease renewal of major properties like Mahalaxmi Racecourse will be delayed further.
According to the civic data, there are 4,179 plots that have been leased to various lessees in the city. The BMC has issued notices to 234 government offices and corporates for not renewing their lease agreements. The civic body has prepared a new policy, under which the plots that were earlier leased at nominal rates will now be given at current ready reckoner rates in the city. There has also been a proposal to levy a fine on leased properties, which are having illegal constructions on them.
However, Shiv Sena ‘recorded’ (turned down) both the proposals in the civic general body meeting on Wednesday. The civic body will now have to bring fresh proposals after three months for the renewal of leased properties as well as leaving fine for illegal constructions. Incidentally, the Sena had supported the lease renewal policy in the improvements committee earlier.
Defending the move to record the proposal, senior Shiv Sena corporator Raju Parulekar said, “Out of 4,177 leased plots, 1,247 have been given permanently while 2,148 have been given for 999 years. We feel that remaining plots should remain with the BMC. If lease is renewed for all plots, the civic body will not be left with any land for its development works.”
