Team Anna secures MMRDA ground for fast in Mumbai

Even as the Centre raced against time to prepare an effective Lok Pal Bill to place it before Parliament, Team Anna today secured permission to use a state government ground for the proposed fast by the anti-graft campaigner from December 27.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has granted permission for using its ground in Bandra-Kurla complex initially for 15 days, a source in Anna Hazare's India Against Corruption, said.

Hazare has threatened to launch a fresh fast if a strong Lok Pal Bill is not passed in the current session of Parliament.

"We have been granted permission by the MMRDA to protest for 15 days," the source said, adding they would seek extension if the protest drags on.

D Kawathkar, Joint Project Director (PR), MMRDA, said Hazare and his team have been granted "in principle" approval for use of its land for the proposed agitation.

Team Anna would be paying a total of Rs 34,80,000 for 15 days use of the ground, MMRDA sources said.

The ground, admeasuring 30,000 sq metre, is located in the 'G-Text' block.

The MMRDA would be charging Team Anna Rs 6.40 per sq metre per day between December 27 to December 31. The rate would be revised from January 1, when they will have to pay Rs 8.40 per sq mtr per day.