MCD makes councillor approval mandatory for park upkeep partnerships

RWAs and NGOs that want to maintain an MCD park or green area will now need a recommendation from the local councillor before entering the civic body’s public-private partnership scheme.

The MCD House approved the change on Monday as it reopened applications for the programme. RWAs must have been registered for at least three years. A senior BJP councillor said the recommendation requirement was intended to prevent disputes where more than one RWA claims to represent residents in the same area.

The revised proposal sets maintenance payments at up to Rs 13,500 per acre. The scheme had stopped in 2022 after the corporation faced financial constraints and could not clear payments to participating RWAs; some associations then paid for upkeep themselves.

Under the arrangement, the MCD will continue to maintain park grills, gazebos, gyms and children’s play equipment, and inspect the sites regularly. RWAs cannot make permanent alterations or conduct commercial activity, while heavy pruning requires permission. The MCD will provide compost from its green-waste centres free of charge. The commissioner can terminate an agreement without assigning a reason.