MUMBAI: In a bid to keep its green and open spaces intact, the BMC has appointed three consultants to carry out the drawing, designing and lanscaping of these spaces. There will be one consultant each for the island city, and its western and eastern suburbs. Budgetary provisions for the same have been made.

According to officials, the consultants will be expected to guage the potential of a particular plot and think of methods to beautify it. They will also be involved in planning out the entire beautification process of the gardens and following up till it reaches its logical conclusion. This means, they will have to visit the sites taken up for development and beautification. The consultants will be given 3.5% of the contractors' fees.

"To ensure that the green and open spaces, including parks, gardens, recreational grounds and play grounds flourish, we will take the help of experts, nature lovers and nature scientists. Their expertise is likely to increase the green cover of the city and maintain it," said a civic official.

Deputy municipal commissioner C B Rokde said that the designing, drawing and landscaping of these gardens would add to the city's beautification. So far, the BMC has spent close to Rs 100 crore to spruce up 84 gardens across the city.

There are 1,000 open spaces in BMC's possession that occupy a total area of 1,200 acres. This amounts to an average number of 40-60 plots in each ward. BJP corporator Ashish Shelar said this is a good decision, taking into consideration the development of theme parks.

Greens, however, warn of possible environmental consequences.