GMDA has joined hands with private companies to maintain green belts in new sectors of the city.
The firms will be responsible for beautification, plantation, horticulture development and maintenance of green belts along specific roads.
The metropolitan authority recently developed a standard operating process (SOP) for the purpose, officials said.
Till now, GMDA has tied up with around 75 companies for the maintenance of green belts along various stretches.
They are developing green areas with corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds and are allowed to install boards wherein they can mention that the green belts are being maintained by them, officials from GMDA said.
Chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who is also the GMDA chairman, had directed the metropolitan authority in December 2021 to engage private players and organise competition between them for ranking the “best-maintained” green belts on various parameters.
The directions were issued in view of increasing complaints about encroachment of green belts in absence of fencing and maintenance.
Green belts along most roads, including stretches of SPR, have been encroached upon by vendors as well as illegally parked vehicles. Fencing and development of green belts will prevent their encroachment, officials said.
“We have signed agreements with around 75 companies till now. Every three months, we review the tie-up and the agreement is terminated if the company fails to develop the green belt and maintain it properly,” GMDA additional CEO (urban environment) Subash Yadav said.
Navdeep Sardana, chairman and managing director of Whiteland Corporation, said they signed a MoU with GMDA for adoption of the green belt and central verge from SPR police post to the Sector 77/76 T-point on Monday as a step towards a greener city.
“The aim is to plant more than 25,000 different varieties of trees and plants suiting seasonal climatic conditions and ensuring greenery throughout the year. This is just a beginning as we intend to undertake massive drives in the coming months in all adjoining areas,” he said.