However, private parties are shying away from entering into any project involving the municipal parks, which are 516 in number. The reason being the fre quent number of political and social gatherings that take place in these parks.

Take the example of Park Circus Maidan. The playgroundcum-park hit the headlines when it was selected as the venue for the 33rd Kolkata Book Fair.

But the Calcutta High Court did not allow the fair to be oganised there on the pretext of environmental hazards. The same park was, however, the venue for seven political gatherings in seven weeks. The Tallah Jheel Park, Kumartoli Park and Ladies Park in central Kolkata have also faced similar fates.

"KMC has to cough up quite a large amount for the upkeep of these parks. The burden could be lessened if private parties participate in the maintenance and augment our revenue. Unfortunately, we are not able to say no to any political or social gathering being held in these parks.

This alone is the reason why pri vate parties do not want to participate in any PPP project," said a senior official of the municipal parks and gardens department.

He added, "Dunlop was interested in developing Park Circus Maidan on a PPP model. But the history of social and political gatherings discouraged it from entering into a PPP with the civic body."

Most religious festivals are also organised in the municipal parks be it a Durga Puja, Kali Puja or namaz.

"Once a PPP is set up, the private party will not allow any organisation to hold an event within the park premises. But it is not possible for us to refuse permission to any political party.

Hence, we are trying to attract private parties for developing boulevards and footpaths instead of municipal parks," said MMiC Faiyaz Ahmed Khan of the parks and square department.