BMP for private participation in management of parks

BMP for private participation in management of parks
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: The BMP is all set to renew its call for private sector participation in the management of parks in the city.

Tree officer, BMP, Udupadi Krishna said, ‘‘we are in the process of making a list of the companies and we will write to them and ask them to adopt parks.’’

This is not designed as a commercial venture, but as a public service initiative to ensure better greenery in the city.

Though companies are allowed to display their logos there, advertisement is strictly prohibited. Contracts are given for a year at a time, and longer for the companies with a good record.

In some cases, the parks are developed by the BMP and handed over to the companies for maintenance, while in other cases the companies take over the responsibility of both development and maintenance of the parks.

The companies are responsible for everything from security, planting of trees to watering and de-weeding. For a one-acre park, the annual cost of maintenance will be about Rs 1.5 lakh.

Though an earlier attempt to get the private sector involved did not evoke much interest, the BMP hopes for better response this time. At the same time a company shows interest in adopting traffic islands.

Over 80 per cent of the traffic islands have already been adopted by companies, said Krishna.

The department has received complaints in the past for neglecting parks and misusing them for publicity. Krishna said, ‘‘The companies are chosen carefully, based on their past records. We also conduct regular raids to ensure that parks are maintained well. If we find them being neglected we cancel the contract.’’

Citizens may forward any complaint in this regard to the Tree Officer, BMP.