The Times of India 12.08.2010
Mohali council gets 500 parks, but forgets upkeep
MOHALI: In what reflects the apathy of Mohali municipal council (MC), around 500-odd parks in the city are in immediate want of upkeep but authorities seem to be sitting pretty on the issue. This, despite the fact that the MC had taken over the responsibility of maintenance of parks from the Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) to address the issue.
Sources said though a month had passed since the MC had adopted a resolution to look after the parks, no maintenance work has been initiated till date.
Earlier, when GMADA was assigned the responsibility to look after these parks, MC allegedly used to criticize the development body for not looking after them.
TOI is in possession of a letter dated July 22, 2010, sent from the office of XEN (horticulture), GMADA, and addressed to executive officer, Mohali MC, clearly mention that barring the triangle park near Yadavindra Public School, none of the parks now allotted to MC had been visited by a maintenance officer. The parks, around 501 in number and spread over 181.73 acres in various sectors and phases of Mohali, were being maintained by the horticulture wing of GMADA till March 31 this year, following which they were handed over to the MC for maintenance and upkeep.
The letter further states that at the time of handing over parks, GMADA officials had requested MC authorities to ensure that parks were regularly maintained. Sources said the letter also mentions that though private firms had installed advertising boards in parks, none of these presented a manicured look, pointing towards the absence of designated maintenance workers employed by MC. GMADA has also stated that instructions be issued to officials and departments concerned so that need-based maintenance work is initiated at the earliest. HS Dhaliwal, XEN (horticulture), said, “When parks were handed over to MC in March-end this year, they were in good condition as regular maintenance had been carried out by GMADA staff.”
He said, “Ever since we handed over the parks to MC, the condition of parks has deteriorated.”
Mohali MC presidentRajinder Singh Rana said, “Various issues like fund allocation, rate of payment and overall responsibility of parks have to be discussed between GMADA and MC officials.”
He also said, “It was in July that MC took over responsibility of maintenance of 500 parks in the city. During a survey conducted two weeks ago, we noticed that parks were not in good condition and had not being taken care of by GMADA.” “I have directed officials concerned to look into the matter and prepare a list of parks requiring urgent maintenance,” he added.
