MCD Revives PPP Model for Park Maintenance

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has approved the revival of its public-private partnership (PPP) framework for the maintenance of parks and green areas, allowing Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and registered voluntary non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to undertake their upkeep. The move seeks to address manpower constraints in maintaining the city’s extensive network of parks while introducing greater community participation in municipal asset management.

Under the revised framework, RWAs seeking to maintain municipal parks will require the recommendation of the elected councillor and must have been registered for at least three years. Upon approval, an agreement will be executed with the director and RWA, which will be required to undertake maintenance and periodically upload photographs of the park. MCD will provide Rs. 13,500 per acre per month for maintenance and free compost generated at its green-waste centres.

The framework places restrictions on the manner in which parks may be maintained. Permanent alterations and commercial activities are prohibited, while activities such as heavy pruning or pollarding require prior permission. MCD will continue to maintain park infrastructure, including grills, gazebos, gyms and children’s play equipment, and retain the right to inspect the parks. The MCD Commissioner may also terminate the arrangement without assigning reasons.

The revised model follows the discontinuation of the earlier scheme in 2022, when financial constraints resulted in delays in payments to RWAs. The uniform payment of Rs. 13,500 per acre per month also replaces the different rates previously applicable under the erstwhile North, South and East Delhi municipal corporations.

The developments reflect a broader move towards alternative models of municipal service delivery and infrastructure management, combining PPP-based community participation with private-sector contracting and revenue-sharing arrangements. For infrastructure and municipal-service providers, the revised approach may create opportunities in areas including park management, waste processing, healthcare support services and urban infrastructure operations, while also increasing the importance of clearly defined performance, monitoring and termination mechanisms in such arrangements.