Delhi Public Works Department restructures horticulture hierarchy for roadside greenery and accountability

Superintending Engineers (Civil) will be reporting to their respective Chief Engineers for the Civil, Electrical and Horticulture works.

“All EES ( Civil) Roads shall be responsible for all works end to end on the RoW of the roads. This includes Civil and Horticulture works, ” read the circular issued by Special Secretary Shashanka Ala.

Officials mentioned that this restructuring was prompted by instances of people damaging and stealing flower pots installed during the G20 Summit.

The department has also mandated that Executive Engineers (Civil) will be solely responsible for the comprehensive maintenance of the entire RoW of PWD Roads. This encompasses civil repairs such as blacktopping, footpaths, kerbstones, drains, medians, as well as horticulture works.

“Any lapses will be treated seriously, and delinquent officials will be liable for penal action,” the order stated.

Furthermore, the Special Secretary emphasised that “administrative, technical, and financial approvals must be obtained from the competent authority, as specified in the CPWD Manual, at the appropriate times. Directors, Deputy Directors, and Assistant Directors of Horticulture will assist all circles and provide technical guidance for policy decisions. A standard set of plant and shrub varieties will be finalised and distributed to all Executive Engineers (Civil) for further action. Additionally, assistance regarding water supply, gap filling, and other matters must be provided as needed.”

The department plans to issue a detailed compendium outlining the responsibilities of each officer at a later date.