In a significant step toward improved urban green management, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has announced plans to outsource the upkeep of large public parks—including key heritage sites—to private agencies. The initiative aims to enhance park maintenance quality while addressing a longstanding shortage of gardeners.
As part of a pilot project, MCD will first implement this model in the Karol Bagh zone, where 42 of the 762 parks exceed 4,047 sq m in area. Parks larger than three acres are eligible under the scheme, with services covering gardening, pruning, sweeping, cleaning, and nursery upkeep. The maintenance contract for Karol Bagh is valued at ₹3.24 crore and will be finalized by July 8.
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Among the most notable parks in the plan is Roshanara Bagh, a 17th-century Mughal-era garden commissioned by Roshanara Begum, daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan. Built in 1650, the garden was once part of an extensive palace complex, showcasing typical Charbagh layout, water features, pavilions, and Persian-style landscaping. The garden houses the mausoleum of Roshanara, constructed in white marble with intricate floral and geometric inlay work—a hallmark of Mughal architecture .
MCD is currently undertaking a revitalization of Roshanara Bagh, including the restoration of its historic lake and surrounding landscape. Officials have stated that NGOs may be engaged in the future to ensure cultural sensitivity in its upkeep.
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To ensure transparency and efficiency, contractors will be required to use a mobile app for logging maintenance work and addressing complaints. Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) and civic officers can report issues, which must be resolved within 10 days. A fine of ₹500 per day will be levied for delays, with additional penalties for absence or negligence of staff.
Delhi’s MCD oversees 15,226 parks spanning 5,172 acres across 12 zones. However, nearly 90% of these parks fall under the category of Housing Area Parks (HAP)—small community green spaces under 5,000 sq m that are vital for local recreation. Officials cite the chronic shortage of gardening staff as the primary reason for exploring public-private partnership models, similar to the existing arrangement in solid waste management.
Other historic gardens such as Qudsia Bagh, built by Qudsia Begum in 1748 near Kashmere Gate, and Ajmal Khan Park, a colonial-era creation in Karol Bagh, are also part of the proposed outsourcing plan.
References (MLA Style):
- Nath, R. History of Mughal Architecture, Volume IV. Abhinav Publications, 2005.
- Koch, Ebba. Mughal Architecture: An Outline of Its History and Development (1526–1858). Prestel, 1991.
- Delhi Development Authority. List of Heritage Sites and Gardens in Delhi. DDA Archives, 2020.
- Municipal Corporation of Delhi. “Proposal for Outsourcing Maintenance of Parks.” Internal Memo, June 2025.