The Times of India        25.10.2013

NMMC budgets 1.5cr for new garden in Nerul

NAVI MUMBAI: Navi Mumbai's largest node, Nerul, can soon boast of a brand new garden. The plot of land in Sector-19A will be developed at a cost of Rs1.45 crore, a civic official said on Thursday.

Local residents, over the last two years, have been demanding that the 12,000 sq m plot that has been earmarked for recreational purposes on the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation's (NMMC) plans be developed, but the civic body has not been able to budget for this space. The custodian of an overhead tank had been asked to keep out squatters and anti-social elements away in the absence of guards.

The NMMC is currently in the process of inviting tenders and grant the plot for speedy development.

"The tendering process will be completed soon," said an official.

Residents are looking forward to the park and are eagerly awaiting the park's development. "The project has finally come to the fore. I believe several residents will benefit from this facility. We are hoping for early construction of the park," said Akash Mishra, a resident.

The proposed garden will have a spot for trees, playground equipment for children, benches, protection wall, mini amphitheatre, senior citizen's recreational centre, jogging track and parking around the garden.

Navi Mumbai: Nerul, the largest node in Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) jurisdiction, will soon have a new garden on a sprawling reserved plot meant for recreational purpose. NMMC plans to create a park on 12, 000 square meter area near the overhead water tank at sector 19A in Nerul. A budget to the tune of Rs 1.45 crore has been appropriated for the project which will benefit the locals while offering their recreation need.

Local residents have been demanding this reserved to be developed as a garden since this area lacks the one. With the population growth the potential of this abandoned plot has increased over the years. Local leaders have tried their best to develop this for a long time, but in vein.

In the absence of proper budgetary allocation the plot has been laying vacant, leading to unprecedented delay in its refurbishment to serve the people. "The project has come to fore sooner than later. Many residents will be benefited from this facility. We are hoping for early construction of the park which will provide us some relief on recreational front," said Akash Mishra, a resident.

The proposed garden will include tree plantation, lawn, games apparatus for children, parking along the circulating area, seating arrangement, protection wall, mini amphitheatre, senior citizen's recreational centre and jogging track. "The tendering process will be completed soon," said an official.