Mumbai: In a victory for residents and Nariman Point Citizen Trust (NPCCWT), the Public Works Department (PWD) handed the park one acre-plus Jawaharlal Nehru near Mantalaya to BMC for maintenance last month.
NPCCWT struggled against a long legal battle to save the park from illegal encroachment, which included BJP state headquarters, which were partly in recreational land.
TimesViews have become a long battle for occupants to ensure that this open space remains free waving.
They even complained to the office of the Prime Minister (PMO) in 2016, who was looking for a reply from the Secretary of the Head of State.
This is a victory for the movement of the citizen, which shows its collective strength to protect public spaces.
BMC now has to develop and maintain the garden for local residents and tourists visiting presince heritage.
, While his ownership will be with the state government.
NPCCWT Vice President Atul Kumar said the surrender had occurred after years of following up with the authorities.
“The park is locked because it cannot be used, without the right path and debris lying down, even though the green space is in the main area.
Submission to BMC will at least ensure the right path is placed, with greening it is needed wherever, so that locals are needed And those who go to the area can use it.
It doesn’t need anything wasteful, only the paint layer and some sprucing up, “Kumar said.
Local Corporator Harshita Narwekkar said on Tuesday he asked BMC to appoint an architect and develop a park because it was in a legacy area.
“The park is in very bad condition because it is not maintained.
It needs to be done immediately because it will be prestigious for BMC, being in the heritage office,” he said.
NPCCA President Swarn Kohli said BMC had to consult with residents before doing work in space.
“Participation and feedback of citizens must be considered before whatever is planned,” Kohli said.
In 2013, the NPCCA had challenged encroachment near Nehru Garden by BJP State Headquarter, Janata Dal, Maharashtra Tourism Development Company, Employment Exchange and Zunkha Bhakar Kendra.
On March 2, 2016, while throwing pills, Bombay High Court gave BJP six months to destroy illegal portions.