The park management committees (PMCs) in the city had been fighting for this since mid 2002 when these rates were slashed from Re 1 to 50 paise. After that, many PMCs had stopped maintaining parks.

Confirming the decision, J S Bilga, executive engineer (XEN), Horticulture branch, Ludhiana Municipal Corporation said, “The PMCs were asking for the revised payment since long. Even the MC general house had also approved it in December. The proposal was sent to the state government for its final approval. We hope that many PMCs will now register with the MC to give the city a greener look.”

The PMCs were first formed in 1999 on Re-1 per square metre pattern. It continued till mid 2002, after that the rates were slashed to 50 paise. The parks management federation formed after this had been fighting the case since then. They first approached the Human Rights Commission and later the Punjab and Haryana high court. In May last, the high court also directed the MC to implement Re 1 per square metre rule at the earliest.

Sources said more than 720 parks are located in the city out of which less than 100 are being maintained by respective residents’ welfare associations. But not all associations are registered with the MC.

Bilga said, “For this purpose, the PMCs will have to give an application through their area councillor and the same will be then presented before the mayor and commissioner for their final approval. A two-year contract will be signed with the concerned PMC and also the MC staff will do a monthly inspection of the park. In case, the MC employee finds some violation, the contract can be cancelled.”

MC authorities have thus invited the PMCs to apply with them so that the city can sport a cleaner and green look.