Was BMC making money for 24 years from AAI land?

Mumbai: Twenty-four years ago, the BMC leased out a 2,005 sq ft plot to Wildlife Wanderers Nature Foundation (WWNF). However, in an affidavit submitted recently to the city civil court, the corporation has said that the land is owned by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
Environmentalist Nandkumar Moghe started a modest marine zoo at the plot, conserving rare species of aquatic flora and fauna. The zoo was served an eviction notice by the BMC on April 9, and was told to vacate the premises in 72 hours. WWNF got a stay on the eviction order from the city civil court, and the BMC’s challenge to the stay order was dismissed by the Bombay high court on June 29.
The BMC, in its affidavit before the city civil court, has stated, “The AAI is an (the) owner of the plot of land...”, and cited that the WWNF has moved court without making the AAI a party to the litigation. The corporation has urged the court to dismiss the WWNF’s petition citing “non-joinder” of a necessary party — in this case, the AAI. The BMC has issued a notice to WWNF under section 314 of the BMC Act and stated that it has the power to remove constructions that come in the way of a project in public interest.
11/08/10 Mayura Janwalkar/Daily News & Analysis

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Categories: airports aug 2010