Delhi High Court Criticizes DDA for Poor Maintenance of Public Parks

The Delhi High Court has reprimanded the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for its failure to maintain public parks and provide recreational activities for the city’s residents.

A single bench of Justice Dharmesh Sharma remarked that it was high time the DDA reflected on its efforts in providing recreational activities for Delhi’s residents.

“How do they intend to make Delhi a ‘smart city’? The people have every right to ask, where are the parks and playgrounds in Delhi where children from all walks of life can indulge in various recreational and sporting activities, intermingle with individuals from different social and economic backgrounds, and not only spend quality time in various sporting activities, but also bring about peace and harmony, thereby realizing the cherished constitutional ideals in fostering the spirit of fraternity,” Justice Sharma remarked.

Specifically referencing the District Park in Janakpuri, the Court noted that despite numerous directions issued by the High Court, the DDA has failed to implement any time-bound beneficial measures for its beautification. No tangible steps have been taken to use the site for recreational purposes or to improve the environment.

“Forget beautification, which perhaps would be a utopian idea. This Court finds that there is no proper concrete or synthetic walking/jogging track in the District Park. There are no basketball or volleyball courts, no tennis courts, and not even a playable football or hockey field. The photographs on record show an open, uneven ground in the middle with no grass or plantation. It is evident that the respondent/DDA does not know what to do with this site,” the judge stated.

The Court made these observations while addressing a plea filed by an organization challenging the DDA’s decision to deny the use of the DDA ground (park) for the Janmashtami Mahotsav between July 22 and September 3.

Upon being informed that, according to the Master Plan for Delhi 2021, this park is designated for multipurpose activities like public meetings, the Court stated it would leave it to the public to decide what is more important. Consequently, it allowed the Janmashtami Mahotsav celebrations.

The Judge expressed hope that the DDA would eventually formulate a meaningful policy to dedicate the District Park to children.