Mumbai: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to give the city developers a mega Diwali gift, which, it claims, will help sustain development of the city.

Observing a decline in the pace of construction projects, the BMC, based on the directives of state urban development department, came up with a plan to lure developers in taking up development work in undeveloped and underdeveloped private layouts in the city.

The civic body has decided to use public money to augment basic infrastructure and amenities, like roads, drainage, electricity, water connections, among others, at these layouts, even though they do not fall under the BMC ambit.

A circular mentioning the decision was issued by municipal commissioner Jairaj Phatak's office last week. An initial amount of Rs24 crore - for the 24 municipal wards - has been allocated for the work.

Civic officials stated that the decision would benefit at least 50 lakh citizens residing in private layouts. Eastern suburban areas from Ghatkopar to Bhandup, which have the most number of undeveloped layouts, will profit the most.

As per development control regulations, prior to any housing development in an area, the developer/ housing society is expected to provide the basic facilities.

However, a senior civic official said that many of these regions were not being taken up by developers due to lack of amenities. So, the BMC has decided to use its own reserves to provide for them.

The decision is based upon the recommendations of a nine-member committee, headed by BJP leader Prakash Mehta. The committee was formed in 1996 during the Shiv Sena reign. They had found that 82 regions were deprived of civic amenities. It had recommended that BMC take up the work of provision and maintenance of amenities and share the expenses with the housing societies in the 67: 33 ratio.

However, with elections in sight, the elected representatives have decided to contribute to the BMCs Diwali gift. Instead of societies and developer, funds from the kitty of elected representatives, MP, MLA and councillor funds, will now be used for the work.

NCP leader Ravindra Pawar, who has been demanding such a move for several years, said that this decision would lead to holistic development of a region.

Source : DNA