BMC GETS 6 WEEKS - `Decide on redevpt of dilapidated mkts'





Expressing concern over the dilapidated old municipal markets, the HC has asked the BMC to take a decision on proposals to develop the civic markets in Andheri and Santa Cruz. A division bench of Justice Anoop Mohta and Justice F M Reis struck down the corporation's orders rejecting the redevelopment proposals on the ground that it was in the process of revising the existing policy . The court said that the corporation could not halt the redevelopment citing proposed change in policy .

"There cannot be any dispute with regard to the pathetic conditions of the markets," said the judges. "If it is the corporation's obligation to redevelop and take control of such dilapidated buildings andor markets, then there is no reason for it not to take action based upon the existing poli cy at the earliest," the court said.

"All are concerned with the development of the markets which is essential part of the society. Most of the markets (see) huge crowds and movement of people of all sorts and age. The requisite facilities and safe buildings are the need of time.The policy decision to develop the markets only after the revised policy is submitted, in our view, is unacceptable submission and specifically when the existing policy nowhere gives this restriction to the corporation. They cannot postpone the development of the city , and specifically of the markets, merely because they have decided to change the policy," said the judges.

The HC has given the BMC six weeks to decide on the redevelopment proposals.