'DDA parks can now be booked for cultural events'

New Delhi: Educational institutions, private firms, NGOs, RWAs and general citizens can now book DDA parks for hosting art and cultural events, a move the urban body on Saturday said aims at rejuvenating and enlivening Delhi's green spaces.

A senior official said the policy has "gone live" a couple of days ago.

About 20 parks are available for booking as per the policy, including Lake Park, Pitampura; Sanjay Lake, Mayur Vihar; Indraprastha Park, Ring Road; Swarn Jayanti Park, Rohini; Ashta Kunj Park, Nehru Palace; Coronation Park, Burari; and Satpula Park, Malviya Nagar.

There are about 800 parks under the jurisdiction of the Delhi Development Authority.

"Indian citizens and agencies belonging to various categories will be eligible to book the parks for art and culture-oriented events in some of the designated parks of the DDA. The aim is to rejuvenate and enliven the green environment of the city," the official said.

According to the policy drafted last November, political functions and marriage ceremonies will not be allowed for booking in parks.

Also, no cooking shall be allowed inside the park. Only ready-to-eat food shall be permitted for consumption on the site. The site will be restored to its initial state, according to the policy.

Any Indian citizens, schools, colleges and universities, cultural and educational societies registered under Societies Registration Act 1860, registered non-government organisations, companies registered under the Companies Act 2013, and residents welfare associations duly registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 or DDA Management and Disposal of Housing Estates Regulations, 1968, can make a booking, officials said.

"The general public is invited to hold events as per the policy wherein promotion of art and culture is envisaged. This initiative is open for public with the aim of improving the quality of life of citizens and increasing the happiness index of the city," the urban body said.

Identified facilities at the parks included under this policy have been classified into two categories.

The 'Category A' refers to open park area, clearly delineated for the purpose, while 'Category B' will entail specific facilities like amphitheaters, boat clubs within these parks.

Bookings can be made for 6-12 hours durations and rates will differ as per the area of the park. These details are available on the official DDA website, officials said.