Govt proposes aid to RWAS for maintaining gardens
NEWDELHI: In an attempt to make Delhi greener, the environment department has asked resident welfare associations (RWAS) and NGOS to adopt a garden each and set up sewage treatment plants (STPS) so that waste water can be recycled to maintain them.
The government has also proposed to provide financial assistance up to ₹4 lakh to the RWAS and NGOS for the initiative.
“A meeting was held with NGOS at the secretariat on Thursday. They were asked to adopt a garden and set up STPS for which they would get financial assistance. A meeting with RWAS would be held soon,” said Imran Hussain, environment minister of Delhi.
There are more than 18,000 parks and gardens spreading over 8,000 hectares throughout Delhi.
“The government will provide a one-time financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to each NGO or RWA for setting up the STP. The balance would have to be raised by the NGO or RWA. They will also get a financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh per year, to be released in instalments, to maintain the parks,” said a senior official of the environment department, who was present in the meeting.
The STPS will be connected to the nearest DJB sewer lines. The sewage will be treated to produce ‘grey water’ (acceptable BOD level), which could then be used for horticulture purposes such as watering trees and lawns, particularly during the dry season.
“RWAS and NGOS will maintain the STPS. They will have to maintain the standards prescribed by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee and Central Pollution Control Board,” the official said.
While Delhi has around 20% green cover, for ecological sustainability, one-third of the total geographical area needs to be under green foliage. These parks and gardens, along with wide roadsides and central verges, will help fulfil the target of 33% green cover.
At present, these areas are managed by agencies such as MCD, DDA, NDMC, PWD and CPWD among others. A few of them are very well managed while many are not in a good shape. “Some RWAS and NGOS are very active in managing parks. The Delhi Parks and Garden Society was formed to coordinate the management of parks and gardens. We are trying to revive the society and make it more active,” said a senior official of the environment department.
The NGOS that attended the meeting on Thursday have been asked to choose a garden from a list and apply within a week.