What happened to 70% promise?

The GHMC had told resident welfare associations that it would contribute 70 per cent of the cost if they maintained the 617 parks that were handed over to them over seven years. The money was to be paid every three months.

These associations have repeatedly moved the corporation for reimbursement but to no avail in a majority of cases.

The cost of maintenance of a park ranges from `5,000 to `15,000 depending on the size; most parks range from 200 to 1,000 square yards in different colonies.

Park maintenance includes cost of water, trimming and protection of plants, electricity bills, and park furniture, renovation and gardener salaries.

“Delay in bill clearance is a major concern. The RWAs submit the bills to the zonal office every quarter but officials take a long time to release cheques,” said Mr Ashwin Kumar, president of the Shanthinagar RWA.

The RWA maintains three parks. “As the corporation takes long to release the money, we are using association funds to maintain the parks,” Mr Kumar said.

The GHMC releases the money only after the work is cleared following an inspection.

Mr V. Damodar, director of the urban biodiversity wing, said, a majority of the bills had been cleared up to March.

Payment is pending where the park inspection report is negative, he added.

“When the corporation hands over a park for maintenance, it is the responsibility of the RWA to ensure that there is no damage. If damage is reported or the officer incharge is not satisfied with the manner the park is being maintained, the bills are stopped,” he said.