Listen to Story The Mahalaxmi Racecourse redevelopment project in Mumbai has once again become a contentious issue amid the ongoing Monsoon Assembly session in Maharashtra. Following Maharashtra Cabinet's nod, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to acquire 120 acres of Mahalaxmi Racecourse land, which will become part of a 300-acre Central Public Park. Meanwhile, the government's decision has drawn widespread criticism from opposition parties and environmental activists, who are questioning the necessity of taking over the racecourse land, which has been well-managed as an open space by the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC).
Adding to the controversy, former BJP corporator Makarand Narwekar wrote to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday, expressing his concerns over loss to the public exchequer. "BMC will take over 120 acres of land. Lease of RWITC has been extended for 30 years on the remaining 91 acres of land.
At the same time, Cabinet has also taken the decision to reduce the lease rent of the RWITC stating that it will be levied only on club stables and other constructions," Narwekar said. "Other than horse racing days, the rest of the open space will be available for public use on days. Hence, this space should be leased at a concessional rate.
In short, the RWITC's annual lease rent has been reduced from Rs 3 crore to Rs 1 crore. This is a loss to the public exchequer," he added. Even Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and former Maharashtra Minister Aaditya Tha.
