Garden huts in SDMC parks to boost public interaction

The South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) has announced to set up thematic gazebos/ garden huts in all major parks under its jurisdiction to make the facilities more comfortable for citizens, especially the elderly.

The Corporation said the gazebos -- on which some art would be inscribed -- would serve as a platform to citizens of various age groups, including students, where they can indulge in social interactions, recreational activities and relive themselves from the stress. 

The medium-sized gazebos could also be used as rain shelters.

At present, the Corporation's horticulture department is focusing on the development of parks so that they provide a aesthetic space for sitting and recreational activities. 

“The SDMC maintains 6,818 parks covering over 2,169 acres. It has been decided to develop gazebos in 607 parks in a phased manner. Initially, 30 medium-sized and major parks have been identified to house gazebos. As many as 30 garden huts/ gazebos will be commissioned within the next three months. The parks in metro cities must act as a tool for the social cohesion,” said an official.

At present, around eight parks under the SDMC's jurisdiction have the facility of garden huts, but these lack proper sitting arrangement and art work. Garden huts have already been commissioned in parks at Green Park Extension, Subhash Park, RK Puram, Tilak Nagar and Sarvodya Park, among others. 

The average cost of a developing gazebo is Rs 6 lakh approximately. This means that for 607 parks, the Corporation will have to shell out Rs 36.50 crore. Gazebos, measuring 3-5 metre in diameter, will be in triangular, circular, square, rectangular or of any other shape. The gazebos will have a sitting capacity for 15-30 people. 

The SDMC is developing the gazebos with MS steel and iron pillars covered with fiber material roof/ concrete cement roof but these will have no walls and doors. An attractive art work will be done on the roof, pillars and benches of gazebos. Sculptures, too, will be installed in a few gazebos, said the official.

“The gazebos will provide a sitting space to morning walkers, who at present leave the park after a stroll. Here, they can sit for a longer duration and interact with others. The garden huts will also provide a platform to students, where they can discuss educational and career issues. Parks with gazebos will provide opportunities to people from different social and ethnic backgrounds to meet and discuss issues on social integration,” said Shailendra Singh Monti, chairman of the Corporation’s Standing Committee.