Corpn has only six overseers to monitor 632 parks

According to a Chennai Corporation source, each zone should have one overseer to monitor the maintenance of the parks.

“The Parks Department of the Greater Chennai Corporation maintains 632 parks apart from central medians and traffic islands on roads.

However, there are only five supervisors and six overseers in the civic body to monitor them,” a source in the civic body said.

The source added that the same situation of vacancy has been sustaining for more than three years. “Every year, the higher officials prepare promotion panels to appoint parks overseers and supervisors by promotion, but there has been no follow up action.”

Persons who have a diploma in horticulture are eligible to be appointed as park overseers. Even though the maintenance works of the 632 parks are handed over to five private contractors, the source said that the civic body must monitor the maintenance works carried out by the contractors.

When contacted, a Chennai Corporation official said steps have been taken to fill the vacancies of overseer and supervisor posts. “The process to appoint new officials will commence after election completes. However, the parks are maintained well by the private contractors,” the official added.