The BMC has still not made up its mind on whether to send an eviction notice to the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) at Mahalaxmi Racecourse. The RWITC will continue using the land at the racecourse illegally just like hundreds of other lessees in the city.
According to the civic sources, there are 97 schedule “W” properties like the racecourse, whose leases expired at least 20 years ago. But, since the eviction notices have not been sent, the lessees are continue to occupy the land.
In all, there are 222 such properties, where the lease has expired but the occupants still use the plot. If the BMC does not issue notice to evict the racecourse plot, it’s not the first time it is allowing this largesse to the RWITC.
Civic officials said, racecourse is a heritage grade II-B precinct and its some area also falls in the coastal regulatory zone (CRZ). In the city development plan, it is shown reserved for a recreational ground (RG).
“We will soon send a report to the state government containing all these details. It will also have mention of the civic group leader’s proposal to construct a theme garden on racecourse plot,” said BMC commissioner Sitaram Kunte.