Reduced budget for greenbelt upkeep triggers RWA backlash in Gurgaon

Time of India

4 hours ago

Gurgaon: GMDA's urban environment division has invited RWAs to take over the upkeep of greenbelts in front of their societies at the revised rate. But GMDA's recent move to reduce the greenbelt maintenance rate from Rs 4 to Rs 2.75 per square metre per month has not gone down well with RWAs, who say the new rate is not viable and does not reflect the rising cost of manpower, equipment and upkeep.
RWAs pointed out the revision in the rate compromises the quality of upkeep in landscaped areas and might discourage resident-led maintenance efforts in the future. "We are willing to take up the maintenance since our portion of the greenbelt is small, but for larger areas, it is not feasible. Besides, GMDA must first develop the greenbelts. Most are either encroached upon or become a dumping ground," general secretary of Sector 9A Suraj Bhola said.
Some RWAs also pointed out the disparity between GMDA and MCG standards. "MCG provides Rs 4.20 per sqm for park maintenance and even then we have to pitch in from our own funds," RWA president of Sector 46 Rajkumar Yadav said. "It seems GMDA is unaware of the real costs involved — manpower, equipment and inflation. RWAs are willing stakeholders, but only if authorities provide adequate financial support," Yadav said.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
No annual fees for life
UnionBank Credit Card
Apply Now
Undo
You Can Also Check:
Gurgaon AQI
|
Weather in Gurgaon
|
Bank Holidays in Gurgaon
|
Public Holidays in Gurgaon
The GMDA proposal — for the upkeep of greenbelts — followed a recent tender of Tau Devi Lal Park located in Sector 22, in which Rs 2.75 per sqm emerged as the lowest bid. GMDA has now offered the same rate to RWAs willing to take up similar work. As of now, there are around 140 MoUs signed between GMDA and RWAs, corporates and NGOs for the maintenance of greenbelts and parks.
A senior official of GMDA said, "We started the tendering process for Tau Devi Lal Park and since Rs 2.75 was the accepted rate, this price has been shared with RWAs.
A few RWAs have already agreed and are coming on board. Those who are willing and able will be given first priority. For the rest, the work will either be allotted to agencies or handled under CSR."
But RWAs say the rate cut ignores rising costs of horticultural maintenance and burdens residents financially. Royal Green Owners Condominium Association (RWA) in Sector 92, for instance, has been maintaining the greenbelt outside its main gate since 2019.
In 2023, it signed an MoU with GMDA to officially maintain a 500-metre stretch. Now, it faces the prospect of continuing the work under protest.
"We will have no option but to maintain it at Rs 2.75 under protest. Even at Rs 4, we were contributing from our own funds. This rate cut makes it even harder. GMDA has around 500km of greenbelt area, which is still underdeveloped and even a small fragment of green cover is maintained through either CSR or RWAs like us," president of Rising Homes RWA Praveen Malik said.