NDMC to adopt ‘Gujarat model’

NEW DELHI: BJP-ruled North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) has decided to adopt the ‘Gujarat Model’ in order to maintain and develop parks in its jurisdiction.

NDMC mayor Preety Agarwal has asked commissioner Madhup Vyas to examine the feasibility of adopting the ‘Gujarat Model’ to maintain parks by leasing out a corner of the parks to kiosks.

Ms Agarwal said that the corporation is going through a financial crunch. Though the number of ‘maalis’ (gardeners) are less than the required number, yet the environment is of utmost importance for us, she added.

Hence, we need to explore such models to work within available resources. Sine the parks are of utmost importance for citizens from one’s health point of view, they also serve as an oxygen chamber and a place for fitness,”Ms Agarwal added.

Here she gave the example of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation “where this model is in practice and the civic body is getting revenue from this”.

She said, “The revenue earned from leasing out the space would be exclusively used for improvement in parks only if a policy is chalked out. It is also gathered that the Delhi Development Authority has allowed the Central Government Health Scheme to allow such small kiosks for daily need items in interest of the citizens,” the NDMC mayor said.

Ms Agarwal also asked that a proper policy keeping in mind the minimum size of the park and its location-wise importance be framed and put-up before the House for consideration along with details.