‘Mistakes’ in draft DP: Congress, NCP to conduct ‘awareness’ drive

Chavan said that a detailed study of the draft has revealed that the committee has deleted 381 reservations meant for various public use and opened up 458 hectares for residential purposes. The committee has reduced reservations meant for children’s playgrounds, primary schools, nallahs, gardens, otta markets, affordable housing for economically weaker sections, open spaces at riverfronts and other recreational purposes.

“The new reservations for a stadium, spastic centre, youth guidance centre, science centre, oxygen park and film city recommended by elected representatives were completely ignored. This draft DP is not in the interest of the city and is prepared by members who do not understand its needs,” Chavan added.

City Congress Abhay Chhajed said that the provision of handing over amenity space to developers is a dangerous trend. “The Congress and NCP would take to the streets to create awareness in seven assembly constitutencies under the civic jurisdiction. This would be a week-long exercise to inform the public on the draft DP that would affect their life in future,” he said.

The awareness would also be taken up through social networking sites wherein citizens can access the proposed changes in their respective areas, Chhajed added. Mayor Dattatraya Dhankawade said that the NCP-Congress combine is planning to build public pressure. “We dont want the state government to ignore public needs and would like them to make the required changes before finalisng the DP for the old city,” he said.

In September, Congress, NCP and MNS corporators staged a protest in the general body meeting over the issue. They raised slogans against the BJP and alleged that the state government is working in the interest of the real estate industry.