Mumbai: The Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has disposed of a suo-motu case concerning the neglected Karodi Pond (Ali Talao) and its adjacent garden in Malad West, after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) assured it would take necessary steps to acquire and maintain the property.
The SHRC initiated the case after taking cognizance of a media report highlighting that the garden, located in a No Development Zone (NDZ), was neither open to the public nor maintained, despite being intended as a relaxing space for local residents.
Following the media report, the SHRC summoned officials to explain the issue. Assistant Revenue Officer Vikrant Karande appeared before the commission and submitted an affidavit, stating that the Collector’s office would formally write to the BMC, requesting it to take possession of the property to ensure proper maintenance.
The SHRC’s order reads, “Mr. Vikrant Karande submitted that they will inform the Corporation in writing to take possession of the property so that it can be maintained properly.”
In a meeting held on August 2, 2024, MHADA and BMC officials had discussed the future of the neglected Ali Talao and its adjacent garden. While the garden was developed under a local beautification and development program in 2018, it had fallen into disrepair due to lack of maintenance.
BMC officials clarified that the land was located in an NDZ and was not officially reserved as a garden in the Development Plan. However, the area is affected by reservations for a tank and pond, necessitating a proposal to the government for permanent transfer of the site to the BMC.
In the interim, the meeting attendees unanimously recommended that the lake and adjacent land be handed over to the BMC for conservation and maintenance. BMC officials present at the meeting agreed and requested a joint site survey to determine the area for preservation and maintenance. Instructions were issued to the Tehsildar of Borivali and the City Land Survey Officer of Goregaon to complete the survey within eight days and submit a report.
The SHRC order emphasized that the garden, developed using local development funds, is government property and requires immediate maintenance and repair.
“The park and its adjacent areas, developed under a local development program, need urgent attention for preservation and repair. The government agrees to hand over the site to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation for maintenance and protection, subject to specific terms and conditions,” the document stated.
