Now, BMC to develop theme park in Malad | Mumbai News – Times of India

MUMBAI: The BMC has planned to develop a theme park on 6.5 acres of land. This move comes after the Mumbai suburban collector gave directions to hand over the land located in Malvani, Malad, to the BMC for garden development.

The plot is located opposite Atharva College.
Local MP Gapal Shetty had made suggestions to the BMC to develop the space in a manner similar to the Vedic-theme park at Noida sector 78. The space in Noida was once a dumping ground.

In a letter sent to BMC last month, Shetty said, “This letter has reference to my continuous follow up since the last nine years to remove encroachments at Malvani and develop a garden in the area. In this regard, I am happy to share that after my continuous follow ups, in a letter dated July 14, 2023 the collector Mumbai suburban district has given the directive to hand over the land bearing CTS No. 7 of village Malvani located opposite Atharva College and Malvani cemetery, Malad west to the MCGM for garden development”
The BMC said that there are close to 21 furniture shops at the spot which they would need to remove and hence the process of issuing notices has begun.
“We have begun the work for developing the theme park at the site and accordingly, notices have been issued to the 21 furniture shops. Once they submit their eligibility papers the same would be scrutinised by us and those eligible, will be given alternate spaces. Those who have constructed their shop after the year 2000 would need to be demolished,” said a civic official.
The BMC said that the plot being located near a college and also a large residential locality would be beneficial to a number of citizens. Once ready, locals could make use of the open space for recreation purposes and also exercise.
The BMC said that this would be the largest open space in Malad when developed.
Congress Malad MLA Aslam Shaikh said that the BMC should ensure that the furniture shops are rehabilitated. “Any open space for a locality is a boon especially at a time when Mumbai has such a poor open space ratio,” said Shaikh.