City parks up for adoption

City parks up for adoption



The adopt-apark scheme of the BBMP, on the lines of the public-private partnership model, promises to see many green spaces in the city developed. Leena Mudbidri reports




Rapid urbanisation has led to widening of several arterial roads in the city and in the bargain the green cover has been adversely affected. Concerted efforts of the civic bodies in maintaining and enhancing the greenery has not been without good results. The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has added yet another scheme as part of the public-private partnership initiative towards greening the city - adopt-a-park scheme.

Garnering support

Outlining the plan to garner public and corporate support for this initiative, Krishna Udapudi, deputy conservator of forests, BBMP said that the adopt-a-park scheme will be on the lines of the adopta-lake concept. Corporates, individuals or residential associations could come forward to adopt any of the parks in the BBMP limits. "The adoption and maintenance plan will be for a minimum period of one year and upto three years," said Udapudi. "During this period the agency or individual will take the responsibility of maintenance of the park as well as the care of facilities such as benches, walkways, children's play area and other park furniture," he added.
"Any corporate agency that comes forward to adopt a park will be given space to display the company logo alongside that of the BBMP," informed Udapudi.

Parks already adopted

Presently, 35 parks have been adopted by real estate developers, IT companies, banks, social help groups, and residential colonies in the city. Parks have been adopted for maintenance in R T Nagar, Sadashivnagar, Sanjay Nagar, Koramangala - KHB Colony, 80 Feet Road and 8th Main in 4th Block. Richmond Park in Shanthinagar and Coles Park in Fraser Town, and some parks in HAL 2nd Stage and 16th Main, Defence Colony in Indiranagar, at Banashankari and Lakkasandra have been adopted
"The park near the Sankey Tank in Sadashivnagar has been adopted by the Sadashivnagar Residents Association and is a shining example of community participation," says the official.

Application prerequisites

The company, individual or social group interested in adopting a park can apply in writing to the commissioner stating the interest for adoption, adoption period and the plans for further improvement of the adopted park. "The organisation or individual's profile is further assessed by our department to ensure that the adopting agent is financially capable of investing in the maintenance of the park," informed Udapudi. "Besides the proposal for adoption of the park, the applicant should also submit a design plan for developing or modifying the open areas around the park for park furniture and other landscaping activities," he added.
The adopt-a-park application form and the terms and conditions for the adopting agency are being worked out, and will soon be finalised. Once completed, the forms will be available on the BBMP website and at the office of the deputy conservator of forests, BBMP.