After years of neglect, the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) is to outsource the maintenance and upkeep of municipal gardens in the city.
It is learnt that the corporation has already invited online bids to rope in private contractors for complete sweeping of the gardens on a daily basis, watering the plants and removing of litter generated in the gardens, cleaning of benches, storage areas, maintenance of fountains, sprinklers, lights, and other fixtures and cleaning of its immediate adjacent surroundings such as footpaths, drains and open areas. This is a novel step taken by CCP and needs to be adopted by other municipal bodies and even panchayats in the state.
It is observed that most gardens in the cities across the state are in a pathetic state due to utter neglect. Large parts of the gardens are covered by weeds and grass while people even dump garbage in the gardens and surrounding areas. It seems that the various civic bodies are running short of labourers to work in the gardens within their jurisdiction.
The contractor should possess all the tools and equipment required for the maintenance of the gardens. Gardens are important spaces in the city meant for relaxation, especially for senior citizens, and for children to play. However citizens have been keeping away from the gardens since they are in a pathetic condition. Outsourcing the maintenance of the gardens to private parties seems the way to go forward.
