Delhi CM Kejriwal doubles financial assistance for maintenance of parks
(PTI desk)
The Delhi government would double the financial assistance provided to the Resident Welfare Associations and NGOs registered with the Delhi Parks and Gardens Society for maintenance of parks and gardens across the city. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today following a meeting with representatives of over 261 RWAs/NGOs from across Delhi, an official statement said.
Govt to provide 90% of assistance to RWAs/NGOs
The financial assistance for maintaining parks would be increased to Rs. 2 lakh per acre from the existing Rs. 1 lakh. CM Kejriwal also announced that the grant of financial assistance will now not be linked with the categorization of colonies. The government will provide 90% assistance while 10% will have to be borne by the RWAs/NGOs, the statement said.
CM asks RWAs/NGOs to get borewells, motors repaired
CM Kejriwal requested the RWAs/NGOs to get their damaged borewells and motors repaired with the government's support in the next 10 days for which they may give request letters to the DPGS. Thereafter, a uniform policy will be adopted so that they face no problem.
Documentation for financial assistance to be kept to the minimum
The documentation for release of financial assistance will be reduced to the minimum. "It may be understood that since public money is involved, some essential documentation would still be required," the statement said. Kejriwal requested RWAs to participate in full strength in the "biggest ever plantation drive to be held in the history of Delhi" next month, details of which will be announced soon.
About the Delhi Parks and Gardens Society
The Delhi Parks and Gardens Society (DPGS) was established by the Delhi government for monitoring and coordinating the management of parks and gardens in the national capital. The DPGS provides funds as financial assistance for development and maintenance activities of parks and gardens to RWAs and other registered societies. It has its own governing body and an executive committee with directors.
Problems faced by RWAs/NGOs in maintaining parks, gardens
During today's meeting, Kejriwal also asked about the problems faced by the RWAs/NGOs in maintaining parks and gardens in Delhi. Their problems ranged from inadequate financial assistance by DPGS, extensive and cumbersome documentation, problems in obtaining pruning permission for trees/plants, high cost for greening/grassing the gardens, scarcity of water, bore wells requiring repairs, inadequacies in infrastructure in the parks and security of visitors, etc.
Ensuring safety and security, especially to women in parks, gardens
CM Kejriwal urged participants to seek the involvement of more local residents in the maintenance and development of parks by organizing "Shramdaan" for them. For ensuring safety and security especially to women in parks and gardens, he asked the participants to approach Delhi Commission for Women chief Swati Maliwal or call on the helpline number "181" or email at livingpositive@gmail.com, the official statement said.
