Councillors raise questions on ill maintained parks

The condition of parks in areas under North Delhi Municipal Corporation came under scrutiny today at a meeting of the civic body House today, with councillors expressing concern at the lack of maintenance and upkeep.
Replying to a short notice, the House was informed that there are 5,243 parks in NDMC in which 2,905 gardeners are employed.
The councillors were informed that 259 posts for gardeners are lying vacant at present. Officials also informed that 223 water pumps were not working.
The members expressed their dissatisfaction at the state of affairs and both members of the ruling and opposition parties even questioned the figures presented to them.

"I do not believe that 223 pumps are not working. In fact, that will be the figure of pumps in operation," BJP's Rajni Abbi said.
Questioning the number of plants shown as having been procured in the past one year, Leader of the Opposition Mukesh Goel dismissed the data provided.

"These figures show more than 20,000 plants were purchased for Rohini zone and almost 21,000 for Narela zone. Where did these plants go? Where were they planted and what is there condition now?" he asked.
The councillors also complained about the lack of gardeners, saying that one gardener for a large park was not enough. "Especially in the case of ornamental parks, which number 2,126 in NDMC need more than one gardener for their proper upkeep," Leader of the House Mahendra Nagpal said.

Replying to the queries, Commissioner P K Gupta admitted that the present number was indeed insufficient. "A report into the matter has suggested that 1,000 more gardeners be recruited to fill the gap," he said.
When pointed out that just one Junior Engineer (electrical) for three zones in the horticulture department was highly insufficient, Gupta explained that 33 JE posts were lying vacant.
"We will fill them this month," he assured the members.
The issue of paying electricity bill dues to NDPL was also raised. "As the Standing Committee Chairman, I have been approached by the commissioner asking if we should pay NDPL on the basis of revised rates. Why don't we raise this issue of their dues with the company? The commissioner should hold a meeting on the matter," Standing Committee chairman Ram Kishan Singhal demanded.