Chandigarh MC may hand over maintenance of park fountains to private firms

The Chandigarh Municipal Corporation is considering handing over the maintenance of fountains in the parks to private companies or firms. In lieu of regular maintenance, the MC will allow the companies or firms to put up their names on advertisement boards near the fountains.

Sources said that a proposal in this regard is being placed before the general house meeting of the municipal corporation to be held on July 29 for approval. An officer of the MC said that presently the fountains in various sectors were lying defunct and in dilapidated condition.

Facing acute shortage of funds, the MC has failed to maintain the same properly. The fountains were installed in the parks at the time when the civic body was not facing financial problems. Crores were spent on their installation. But with the passage of time many of these are often either kept shut or are out of order.

Sartaj Singh, a resident of Sector 34, Chandigarh, said that the non-functional fountains had become a place for mosquito breeding. Some people even throw garbage there, leading to unhygienic conditions. Sunder Lal, a resident of Sector 36, said that handing over the fountains to private companies for maintenance was a good idea.

He further said, “This will not only ensure proper maintenance of the fountains, but help maintain the beauty of the gardens of the city.” He said that in the absence of maintenance, these fountains had turned into eyesore after the MC spent huge amount of public money for their installation. Besides, music systems installed at many places had also been stolen in some parks.

A large number of people and children visit the park daily. If the fountains become functional, it will create more conducive environment for them. The fountains will also add beauty to the parks.