The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has revived a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme that puts money directly in the hands of Resident Welfare Associations to hire gardeners and maintain local parks. Here’s everything residents and RWA members need to know.

What Is This MCD Scheme?

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has revived a scheme to address the shortage of gardeners in the national capital’s parks. Under the scheme, Resident Welfare Associations across Delhi would get Rs 13,500 per acre to hire a ‘mali’ (gardener) for park maintenance.

This isn’t a new idea — the scheme, based on a Public-Private Partnership model, was reintroduced last week by the civic body’s horticulture department. It was originally rolled out before the merger of the North, South and East Delhi municipal corporations in 2022.

So why was it revived now? Because Delhi’s parks are in crisis — and MCD simply doesn’t have enough staff to manage them all.

The Problem: Delhi’s Parks Are Falling Apart

The numbers tell a stark story.

Currently, the civic body maintains 15,320 parks across its 12 zones, covering nearly 5,200 acres. However, staffing remains a challenge. As per data available till March 2026, 911 gardeners are employed, while 814 have been hired under a welfare measure scheme that offers contractual jobs to family members of deceased gardeners. In addition, the civic body has outsourced 2,355 gardeners.

Even with all three categories combined, the numbers fall far short. According to the horticulture department, maintenance norms are guided by the Central Public Works Department manual, which recommends one ‘mali’ for every 1.35 acres.

At 5,200 acres, MCD would need nearly 3,850 gardeners to meet CPWD norms. They currently have a fraction of that.

The human impact is visible on the ground. Residents and ward councillors have repeatedly complained about the deteriorating condition of parks, citing gardeners’ dearth. “There are 203 parks in our ward. However, there are only eight gardeners to maintain them all. In one park, tall grass has taken over nearly the entire area, with benches almost buried within it,” said an official from Mayur Vihar Phase-I.

How Much Will RWAs Get — And Why ₹13,500?

Each municipal corporation had a different policy for financial assistance to RWAs. For instance, the EDMC gave Rs 8,660 per acre, while the NDMC provided Rs 8,000. The SDMC, however, offered Rs 13,500 per acre, which has now been adopted.

By standardising at the highest previous rate — ₹13,500 per acre — MCD is giving RWAs a meaningful amount to work with.

On top of the cash, the MCD will also supply compost to RWAs free of cost, sourced from its green waste management centres.

How Does the Scheme Work?

Here’s the step-by-step process for RWAs:

Step 1 — Register with MCD’s horticulture department under your zone

Step 2 — Wait 3 months after registration before financial assistance begins

Step 3 — Hire a mali and begin maintenance covering tasks like weeding, pruning, waste clearance, fertiliser use, hedge trimming, landscaping and overall cleanliness

Step 4 — Upload photographs as proof of work to the zonal monitoring committee

Step 5 — Receive payment — MCD will make cumulative payments for three months to the RWAs for each acre of land, and a zonal-level monitoring committee would be set up to oversee the work carried out by the RWAs.

Step 6 — Continue receiving funds — After completing three months, work will be verified through photographs uploaded by the RWAs. Once the supervisor is satisfied, the financial assistance will continue.

Who Is Eligible?

Only RWAs registered under the Societies Act for a minimum of three years will be eligible to apply. Applicants must submit details of activities carried out in the previous year. Associations may adopt more than one park, but only within their respective localities.

Quick Eligibility Checklist:

What Will RWAs Be Responsible For?

Once an RWA adopts a park under this scheme, it will oversee tasks such as weeding, pruning, waste clearance, fertiliser use, hedge trimming, landscaping, beautification, and overall cleanliness.

In short — everything a full-time mali would do, now funded by MCD.

Which Areas Need This Most?

With 15,320 parks spread across 12 MCD zones, virtually every Delhi neighbourhood has a park that could benefit. However, areas with the most acute neglect complaints include:

• Mayur Vihar — 203 parks, only 8 gardeners
• East Delhi zones — historically understaffed post-merger
• Outer Delhi colonies — where outsourced gardeners rarely show up consistently

If your park looks abandoned right now, this scheme is for your RWA.

Why This Matters for Delhi Residents

Delhi’s parks aren’t just green spaces — they are the lungs of the city, especially in densely packed colonies where outdoor space is limited. Children play there. Elderly residents walk there daily. Deteriorating parks affect air quality, mental health, and overall quality of life in a neighbourhood.

This scheme, while not perfect, is a practical acknowledgment by MCD that it cannot maintain 15,000+ parks on its own. Giving RWAs both the authority and the funding to step in is the right direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much will my RWA receive under this scheme?

Rs 13,500 per acre. Payments are made cumulatively every three months after verification.

Q. Does MCD provide anything else besides money?

Yes. Free compost sourced from MCD’s green waste management centres is also provided.

Q. Can one RWA adopt multiple parks?

Yes — but only parks within their own locality.

Q. When does payment start?

Three months after registration with MCD’s horticulture department.

Q. How is the work verified?

Through photographs uploaded by the RWA to a zonal-level monitoring committee.