There was considerable ire, some fire and a recognition that things are dire until citizens step in, at a public meet to highlight draft of a new policy for open spaces; one that may be tantamount to a ‘kidnap policy of open spaces’, as was said in the introduction. The Bombay Catholic Sabha (BCS) organised the meet, late Thursday evening at St Michael’s Church Auditorium in Mahim to make citizens aware. BCS said, “There is potential for ‘sly gifting’ of our precious open spaces to private parties through the new policy, and to exchange ideas about how to pressure the state government not to proceed with such a policy.”

People power

The speakers at the meet took the mike in turns, with Right to Information (RTI) activist Anil Galgali stating first up, “The current policy is strong, but is being changed to benefit a few. There may be some political pressure.” He added, combatively, “Jab ladenge, tab bachenge.” (when we fight, we can save ourselves). There was Bhaskar Prabhu, convenor Mahiti Adhikar Manch, who said, “People need to involve themselves in public consultations, use the RTI and go beyond writing letters and Facebook posts to safeguard spaces.”