Greenery – Delhi Expands Funding Support for Parks Across Residential Areas
Greenery – The Delhi government has substantially increased financial support for the upkeep of public parks across the capital during the 2025–26 financial year, according to official records. More than Rs 13 crore has been released under a scheme that enables resident welfare associations (RWAs) and non-government organisations (NGOs) to manage and maintain local green spaces. The latest allocation marks the highest level of assistance provided under the programme since it began in 2008–09.
Increase in Financial Assistance for Park Maintenance
Data shared by the Delhi Parks and Gardens Society showed that Rs 13.36 crore has been distributed this year for the maintenance of 1,643 parks spread across nearly 484.37 acres of land. The work is being carried out through the participation of 364 RWAs and NGOs operating in different parts of the city.
The rise in funding reflects the government’s broader effort to improve green infrastructure and strengthen the role of community organisations in maintaining public spaces. Compared with the previous financial year, the amount released under the scheme has grown sharply.
More Parks and Organisations Added to the Scheme
During 2024–25, around Rs 7.5 crore had been allocated for maintaining 1,483 parks covering approximately 435.57 acres. At that time, 329 RWAs and NGOs were involved in the programme.
Official figures indicate that the current financial year has seen the inclusion of 35 additional organisations under the scheme. At the same time, maintenance support has been extended to 160 more parks, while the total area covered has increased by nearly 48.8 acres.
The jump in financial assistance has also been significant. Authorities reported that the latest allocation is higher by Rs 6.31 crore compared to the previous year, representing an increase of close to 89.6 percent.
Highest Funding Level Since Scheme Began
Government records further revealed that the Rs 13.36 crore released in 2025–26 is the largest amount provided under the initiative since its launch over a decade ago. The scheme has continued to evolve over the years as the city expanded its focus on urban greenery and community participation in civic maintenance.
While this year recorded the highest financial support, the largest number of parks maintained under the programme was previously seen in 2012–13 and again in 2022–23. In both those years, maintenance assistance was provided for 1,877 parks across Delhi.
Officials believe that involving local resident bodies and voluntary organisations helps improve accountability and day-to-day care of public gardens, especially in densely populated residential colonies where regular upkeep is essential.
Budget Allocation Signals Continued Focus on Green Spaces
The Delhi government had earlier announced an allocation of Rs 20 crore for the scheme in the 2025–26 budget. The move was aimed at increasing financial support for RWAs, NGOs, and registered societies involved in maintaining parks and gardens across the national capital.
The expanded budget is expected to help improve landscaping, cleanliness, horticulture work, and overall maintenance standards in neighborhood parks. Authorities have also highlighted the importance of accessible green spaces in improving urban living conditions and supporting environmental sustainability.
With more organisations participating and a larger number of parks receiving assistance, officials expect the scheme to play a stronger role in preserving community green areas across Delhi in the coming years.