BMC
The new policy provides for an annual Turf Licence Fee (TLF) of 1% of the applicable land rate multiplied by the turf area. The department has allotted around 4,177 plots on lease for various periods, including leases in perpetuity and those ranging from 999 years to 30 years, according to the circular. Under the policy, permission will be considered only where such use is permissible under the original lease conditions, the Development Plan and the Development Control and Promotion Regulations (DCPR) 2034.
MUMBAI: BMC has for the first time framed a policy to regulate cricket and other sports turfs being operated on municipal leasehold plots, with the civic body proposing to recover an annual licence fee linked to Ready Reckoner rates. The move comes after the civic administration found that a considerable number of sports turfs were being commercially operated on municipal land without obtaining the required permission or No Objection Certificate (NOC). Many of these facilities are being booked online and offline, generating revenue for lessees, occupants or third-party operators, while the BMC has not been receiving a share. The land rate will be based on the Ready Reckoner rate prevailing in the year in which approval is granted, with the same principle applicable at the time of renewal. BMC Estates Department has identified the scale of its landholdings as a key reason for framing the policy. The permission will not amount to a change in land use. The policy specifically allows sports turfs on municipal leasehold land where the activity is permissible, including vacant land under Vacant Land Tenancy (VLT). However, permanent, covered or RCC construction will not be permitted under the policy. BMC has also clarified that sports turf will mean a demarcated play area with artificial or natural surfaces, including removable fixtures such as nets, poles and lighting. The civic administration plans to eventually shift the entire process online, including applications, scrutiny, approvals, fee payments, demand notices and renewals. Until a dedicated portal is operational, applications will continue to be processed through the existing offline system.