Madurai: While many corporation parks in Madurai struggle with broken infrastructure, poor lighting and inadequate maintenance, Vandiyur Sundaram Park stands out as an exception, largely due to its outsourced management model.
Outsourced Management Model
The park is maintained by a private contractor under a ₹1.5-crore annual licence agreement that imposes strict standards for cleanliness, security and infrastructure upkeep. The park was renovated using Infrastructure and Amenities Fund support before being handed over for operation through an e-auction.
Contractual Obligations
Under the agreement, the licensee is responsible for maintaining greenery, watering plants daily, ensuring uninterrupted lighting, operating clean toilets, providing drinking water and removing garbage at his own expense. The contract also requires the deployment of dedicated sanitation workers, gardeners, electricians and security personnel. Separate staff are assigned for round-the-clock toilet maintenance, while security guards regulate access and monitor the premises, a Madurai Corporation official said. “Any damaged play equipment must be repaired immediately, failing which penalties can be imposed,” the official said.
Environmental Standards
The licence further mandates regular removal of waste and invasive vegetation from Vandiyur Lake, protection of trees, maintenance of walking tracks and preservation of environmental standards within the park.
Recreational Amenities
The facility also includes amenities such as boating services, an open-air theatre, an aquarium, selfie points and other recreational attractions. “The walking tracks are clean every morning, the pavements are in good condition and garbage is cleared regularly. It feels safe to come here even with children,” said S Ramesh, a regular visitor. “The difference becomes obvious when you compare it with many other corporation parks where even basic maintenance is missing,” he added.
