GMADA to develop ‘Urban Forest’ on 35 acres of land

“Yes, this project is to develop a dedicated forest area in the city. We have already issued tenders for the same. We shall hire a private firm to maintain the area for three years. The entire area shall be developed in around 18 months,” said an officer associated with the project.

The officer said that the project would cost around Rs 32 crore and would have a number of varieties of trees, including medicinal and fruits. After inviting the tenders, the GMADA will hold a pre-bid meeting on April 11 at its headquarters in Phase VIII, PUDA Bhawan.

Due to development in the last few years, the city has lost a considerable green belt area. Though GMADA tried its best to increase the area by developing the green belts in the parks, in many parking spaces across the city, the trees were cut long back and the tree plantation was not significant.

“The forest area shall be developed in the area where new sectors are coming up. The parks had already been made but there was no dedicated green belt or the forest areas. It is first-of-its-kind project the GMADA has undertaken in the city so far,” the officer said.