In a bold move against the rampant misuse of public land, Pranali Girish Raut, member of the Mumbai Pradesh Committee of the Aam Aadmi Party, has taken up the cause to protect reserved plots in Mahim (West). These plots—originally earmarked in the city’s development plans for playgrounds, gardens, schools, and hospitals—are increasingly falling into the hands of private builders under the guise of rehabilitation projects.
Speaking out during her campaign, Raut highlighted serious violations, particularly in the Kapad Bazar area of Mahim, where plots such as No. 686 (opposite petrol pump) and No. 663 (Keshav Wadi), reserved for a playground and garden respectively, are now marked for construction by private developers.
She cited a long list of instances where land meant for public benefit—like Plot No. 484A (Desai Maidan)—has already witnessed illegal construction. Most shockingly, the Om Sai and Prescon Towers now stand on land previously reserved for a school and playground on Rahima Baug.
“This is not redevelopment; this is daylight robbery of public resources,” said Raut, adding that public lands meant for future generations are being hijacked by vested interests with political backing.
Backed by thousands of citizens—doctors, retired police officials, school trustees, and religious leaders—Raut has filed official petitions with the Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, the Municipal Commissioner, the CEO of SRA, and the G-North Assistant Commissioner. Following these protests, the SRA scheme for the Desai Playground was scrapped on November 28, 2023, thanks to legal action by Adv. Girish Raut.
Yet, Raut warns, builders are still trying to revive the same project under pressure. Sixteen housing societies have now demanded that the full plot be converted into a public playground, not a residential tower.
She also exposed the misuse of Plot No. 487 (Bhagoji Keer Marg), meant for the relocation of residents from reserved lands like Plot No. 527 (hospital), Plot No. 488 (library/dispensary), and Plot 484A (playground). Instead, the land was handed to outsiders and a sellable tower was built—nullifying the very purpose of public land reservations.
“This isn’t a political vendetta,” Raut said. “We are not asking for demolitions or evictions. We’re asking for the remaining reserved plots to be protected and used for the purpose they were meant for—public service.”
She called for:
- Immediate cancellation of all SRA schemes on reserved lands
- Amendment to the SRA Act prohibiting construction on reserved plots
- Strict enforcement of BMC’s development plans
Raut also warned that Mumbai’s open space crisis is worsening, especially since the SRA model allows builders to claim up to 95% of a reserved plot for private towers, offering the public only token amenities. “This is nothing but a scam disguised as rehabilitation,” she added.
Citizens have started joining hands under the campaign, vowing to protect what little remains of Mumbai’s open lands. The movement is gaining traction as more residents across Mahim wake up to the reality that their children may grow up in a city without parks, schools, or hospitals—unless they act now.
“This is not about politics,” concluded Raut. “This is about preserving what belongs to the people—not just for today, but for every child yet to be born in this city.”