In a temporary reprieve for the Malabar Hill Citizens’ Forum (MHCF), the BMC on Tuesday told the Bombay high court that it would give the association a personal hearing over its decision to take back possession of Priyadarshini Park at Nepean Sea Road. The court was hearing a petition by the MHCF after the BMC issued a notice to hand over possession of the park within a week.
Advocate S S Pakale, counsel for the BMC, informed the vacation court, headed by Justice Anil Menon, that the civic body has decided to withdraw its notice. “The corporation will now issue a fresh show-cause notice to the MHCF and will grant them a personal hearing in accordance with the law,” the advocate said. It was pointed out that the BMC’s notice had not mentioned the “violations” that the MHCF was alleged to have committed.
The BMC issued the notice on December 23, alleging violation of “several” rules of the civic adoption policy for open spaces. The sprawling park, spread over 65,000 sqm and abutting the sea, was handed over to the MCHF in 1985 as per its adoption policy. The BMC, however, scrapped the adoption policy and decided to introduce a caretaker policy.
In a statement, the BMC said two metal sheet shades had been set up on the land-one near the entry gate was being used as MCHF’s office while the other for a cold drink and snacks shop without permission. “A synthetic jogging track constructed at the sports complex and various other works carried out at Priyadarshani park do not have the BMC’s permission. These works are carried out through public funds for facilities to general public free of cost. However, the MCHF is charging handsomely for these public utilities,” the statement said. “Permanent structures used as gymnasium, recreational hall and party hall have been constructed near the seashore without approval from the BMC,” it added. In its petition, the MCHF denied the allegations and said it had all the necessary permissions.