Mumbai-based NGO Watchdog Foundation has opposed the redevelopment of Mahim bus depot saying the land was being opened for commercial and residential utilisation and remodelling the existing bus station.
The objection comes after a demolition drive was carried out at the depot for the project.
In an email communication sent to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and BMC Commissioner Ajoy Mehta on Wednesday, the organisation pointed out that in Mumbai’s Development Plan 2014-2034, “the one acre Mahim Bus Depot Plot bearing C.S. No. 766 has been exclusively reserved for Bus depot and the entire bus depot along with adjoining areas has been marked as heritage precinct.”
Project bid
In 2007, Delhi-based Parsvnath Developers won the project to develop the one-acre depot plot for commercial and residential use, along with remodelling of the depot.
“As such the BEST administration has no authority to allow change of user of the said Mahim Bus Depot and that too in heritage precinct, without prior permission from Mumbai Heritage Committee. As per the existing norms, stringent rules will be applicable in view of reservations stated in the proposed DP,” the email said.
Around 2010, the said developer along with other developers who are developing Oshiwara, Versova, Marol, Dahisar and Kurla were given 30 per cent additional FSI at a throwaway price fixed at 2006 level by BEST administration.
Offer turned down
In 2006, BEST management sought State government’s permission to allow 100 per cent development rights to the builders, but the same was turned down by the State.
“On the one hand, BEST’s Electric Supply Division is levying and collecting its transport undertaking’s losses from its consumers in the electricity bills, but on the other hand when there is enough opportunity to earn extra revenue from exploitation of its properties in a more prudent and profitable manner, the BEST administration is just giving extra development rights without earning any penny and that too at old rates? This is the biggest fraud on tax payers,” the organisation said, demanding a State CID inquiry into the project.
Objection raised after a demolition drive was
carried out
for the project
