Delhi govt plans higher funding for upkeep of parks, gardens

An official statement from the Chief Minister's Office on May 11, 2026 said the Delhi government is considering increased financial assistance for the maintenance and development of parks and gardens across the city, including a proposal for full government funding for eligible projects undertaken by Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), non-government organisations (NGOs) and registered societies. The Delhi Parks and Gardens Society would disburse this financial assistance to RWAs, NGOs and registered societies for upkeep and development of parks. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized that strengthening Delhi's green cover is a priority and that the initiative would help improve urban environment and pollution control. The government has proposed increasing annual maintenance support from ₹2.55 lakh per acre to ₹3.8 lakh per acre to address rising maintenance costs and labour wages, aiming for better cleanliness, irrigation, and preservation of greenery. The plan also considers scrapping the existing 90:10 cost-sharing model in favor of 100 per cent government funding for eligible projects, to encourage participation from smaller RWAs and local bodies facing financial constraints. A one-time financial assistance for development of new parks could rise from ₹1 lakh per acre to ₹2.9 lakh per acre, especially in newly developed colonies and densely populated areas with limited green spaces. Additionally, one-time grants of up to ₹2.5 lakh per acre for upgrading existing parks may be provided for facilities such as display boards, dustbins and irrigation pipelines. The measures are intended to make parks cleaner, more organized, and environmentally sustainable while improving access to quality public green spaces and aligning with the Viksit Delhi vision. CM Gupta stated that long-term upkeep requires active community involvement and that the proposed measures are designed to empower RWAs and local organisations.