G.O.(Ms)No. 449, Standard Operating Procedure for Public Parks, 2020
The Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management (DM IV) Department issued G.O.(Ms)No. 449 on 31 August 2020, prescribing COVID-19 operating procedures for public parks in municipalities and corporations. It sets entry controls, capacity limits, hygiene requirements and responsibilities for visitors, park workers and Urban Local Bodies.
Purpose and scope
The Tamil Nadu Revenue and Disaster Management (DM IV) Department issued G.O.(Ms)No. 449 on 31 August 2020 under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. It approves a Standard Operating Procedure for public parks after reopening in municipalities and corporations, with public health measures intended to reduce the risk of COVID-19.
The requirements affect Urban Local Bodies, public park visitors, maintenance staff, workers and local community volunteers. The document governs public park operation and does not set out any land ownership, registration, planning or property development requirements.
Entry and visitor controls
The Standard Operating Procedure for Public Parks requires the following controls:
- Handwashing with liquid soap or sanitiser must be available at park entrances.
- Visitors may enter only after thermal scanning for body temperature.
- Masks are mandatory and must be worn at all times inside the park.
- Visitors from containment zones are not permitted.
- Urban Local Bodies must assess each park's capacity, with only 50 percent of that capacity initially permitted to support social distancing.
- Larger parks may admit people in batches during restricted hours. Urban Local Bodies may regulate entry through tokens.
- Visitors should carry their own water bottles.
- Spitting inside and outside parks is strictly prohibited.
Park operation and maintenance
The Standard Operating Procedure places operational duties on Urban Local Bodies and park personnel:
- Toilets must be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
- Waste must be placed in park bins, and Urban Local Bodies must arrange periodic safe disposal.
- Snack and fast food sales inside park premises are not allowed.
- Maintenance staff and workers must wear masks, gloves, shoes and other specified safety gear.
- Information boards must display guidance on distancing, masks, hand sanitisation and avoiding spitting.
- Local community volunteers may be used to monitor social distancing.
Special precautions
The Standard Operating Procedure advises people over 65 years, people with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below 10 years not to use parks. Children’s play areas are to remain closed initially. Members of the public must maintain social distancing while walking in parks during mornings and evenings.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Does G.O.(Ms)No. 449 deal with land ownership or property registration?
No. The document contains COVID-19 operating procedures for public parks in municipalities and corporations. It does not provide rules on land ownership, registration, planning or property development.
Can a public park admit its full capacity?
Urban Local Bodies must assess each park's capacity, and only 50 percent of that capacity may initially be admitted to maintain social distancing.
Are masks compulsory inside public parks?
Yes. Visitors must wear masks at all times inside the park, and maintenance staff and workers must also wear specified safety gear.
Can children use park play areas?
Children’s play areas are to remain closed initially. Children below 10 years are also advised not to use parks.
