New Delhi, October 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) Chairman Manoj Kumar Dwivedi on Saturday said permission for activities at Central Park in Connaught Place is granted only after organisers provide details of the expected crowd size and the duration of the event, citing the need to protect public property.
His remarks came after the NDMC denied permission to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) to hold its ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ rally at the park.
Speaking to IANS, Dwivedi said Central Park had been closed for two days to facilitate maintenance work, including repairs to fountains and upgrades to the drip irrigation system.
“We closed Central Park for two days because we wanted to use this period for some maintenance work. The park contains a small fountain with a light and sound show. Some of its fountains needed repair, which we are getting done. We are also upgrading some of our drip irrigation lines,” he said.
Dwivedi said the park, spread across seven acres, featured an amphitheatre and fountain facilities and was maintained as an important public space in the national capital.
“As Connaught Place is our heritage area, we also ensure that the park gets the necessary beautification so that tourists visiting from across the country and abroad have a great experience here,” he added.
Explaining the NDMC’s approach to granting permission, Dwivedi said calls for public gatherings often did not provide clarity on the number or profile of people expected to attend.
“During calls like the one given by the CJP, it is not known how many and what kind of people will come. Our property can also get damaged during this. These are assets made for the benefit of the public,” he said.
The NDMC chairman pointed to instances of walls being defaced at monuments and garbage being left behind at public places in the national capital, saying such damage could be difficult to reverse.
“It is difficult to restore the property in such cases and many times it is not possible to restore it fully,” he said.
Dwivedi said the council therefore required organisers to provide information about the expected number of participants and the duration of an event before permission was granted.
He clarified that the NDMC regularly permits socio-cultural programmes and exhibitions at Central Park.
“Recently as well, we have given permission for a number of programmes at the park. NDMC also facilitates such events. Keeping all this in mind, we are upgrading the park not just to beautify it but also ensure that people can avail all kinds of facilities here,” he added.
The council said its maintenance and permission procedures were aimed at preserving the park while allowing the public to benefit from its facilities.
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