The government is considering a comprehensive revision in the financial assistance given for the maintenance, development and expansion of parks and gardens in the capital Delhi. This initiative aims not only to increase the green cover of the city but also to give a new impetus to environmental protection by encouraging community participation. This scheme will also provide a lot of help in dealing with the increasing pollution in the capital.
The proposed increase in the amount of assistance provided to RWAs, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and registered societies through the Delhi Parks and Gardens Society is expected to significantly improve the quality, cleanliness and long-term maintenance of the capital’s parks.
Big increase in maintenance support
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that keeping in mind the rising inflation, labor wages and maintenance costs, it has been proposed to increase the annual assistance given for parks and gardens from Rs 2.55 lakh per acre to Rs 3.80 lakh per acre per year.
With this increased assistance, regular cleaning of parks, irrigation system, protection of plants and greenery and overall maintenance will be made more effective. The Government believes that better maintenance will provide clean, safe and attractive public green spaces to citizens.
90:10 model is over, now 100 percent government assistance will be available
The government is preparing to end the existing 90:10 financial sharing model and provide 100 percent government assistance. Till now, the government bore 90 percent of the total cost of maintenance and development of parks, while the remaining 10 percent had to be borne by RWAs or related institutions.
This arrangement made it difficult for small organizations with limited resources to participate in the scheme. After the implementation of the new proposal, the eligible institutions will not have to bear any financial burden, due to which more number of RWAs and social organizations will be able to participate in the development of parks. Experts believe that this will ensure systematic maintenance of more parks in the capital and will also increase community participation.
Development of new parks will get a boost
The Delhi government is also giving priority to the creation of new parks and green spaces. The Chief Minister said that it is proposed to increase the lump sum assistance given for the development of new parks from Rs 1 lakh per acre to Rs 2.9 lakh per acre.
This step is being considered important towards maintaining green balance in the capital amid rapidly increasing urbanization and decreasing open areas. This will encourage construction of new parks in newly developed colonies and densely populated areas.
Additional assistance for improvement of existing parks
The government does not want to be limited to just new parks, but is also working towards making the existing parks modern and convenient. On the demand of RWAs and local societies, additional one-time assistance of up to Rs 2.5 lakh per acre for facilities like display boards, dustbins and UPVC irrigation pipelines is being considered. This will improve the cleanliness, water management and overall well-being of the parks, while also making them more sustainable and eco-friendly.
Emphasis on pollution control and better lifestyle
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that expansion of green areas in the capital is not just a matter of beautification, but it is also linked to environmental protection and health of the citizens. He said that amid increasing pollution, heat and stressful urban life, parks provide people with clean air, mental peace and an opportunity for social connection. The government aims to create a “Developed Delhi” where environmental balance and quality of life of citizens are given equal importance along with modern infrastructure.
The Government believes that effective and long-term maintenance of any public place is possible only when the local community shares the responsibility. Under this thinking, this new policy is being prepared keeping the participation of RWAs and local organizations at the center.
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