New Delhi: The Delhi government is preparing a major overhaul of financial assistance for parks and gardens across the capital to strengthen green cover, improve maintenance, and encourage community participation.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the initiative will not only expand greenery in the city but also help in pollution control and improve the overall urban environment.
Focus on Better Maintenance and Long-Term Sustainability
The government is considering significant revisions in funding provided through the Delhi Parks and Gardens Society to Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), NGOs, and registered societies.
The aim is to improve the quality, maintenance, and long-term preservation of green spaces across Delhi.
Officials said well-planned green areas enhance the city’s identity while also contributing to better public health and environmental balance.
Increase in Annual Maintenance Assistance
The proposed plan includes increasing annual maintenance support for parks and gardens from ₹2.55 lakh per acre to ₹3.8 lakh per acre.
This increase is expected to help cover rising costs of labour, cleanliness, irrigation, and greenery maintenance, ensuring better upkeep of public parks.
Shift to 100% Government Funding Model
A key reform under consideration is the replacement of the existing 90:10 funding model with 100% government funding.
Earlier, RWAs and institutions had to contribute 10% of the cost, which often limited participation by smaller organisations.
With full government support, more organisations will be able to join the initiative, leading to improved development and maintenance of parks across the city.
Higher Support for New Park Development
The government also plans to increase one-time assistance for the development of new parks from ₹1 lakh per acre to ₹2.9 lakh per acre.
This step aims to encourage the creation of green spaces in rapidly urbanising and densely populated areas of Delhi.
Additional Funding for Existing Parks
For the upgradation of existing parks, the government is considering financial assistance of up to ₹2.5 lakh per acre for facilities such as display boards, dustbins, and UPVC irrigation pipelines.
This support will be provided based on requests from RWAs and societies to improve cleanliness, infrastructure, and sustainability.
Community Participation at the Core of Green Delhi Vision
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasised that active community participation is essential for the long-term maintenance of public green spaces.She said the initiative aligns with the vision of a “developed Delhi,” where modern infrastructure and environmental balance go hand in hand, ensuring a healthier and more livable city for citizens.
Read also: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta Declares 673 Hectares of Central Ridge as ‘Reserved Forest’ in Major Green Push
