SMC drive makes a difference

SURAT, March 4: After winning accolades from all quarters for a glittering facelift as the second cleanest in the country, the diamond ci...

SURAT, March 4: After winning accolades from all quarters for a glittering facelift as the second cleanest in the country, the diamond city is all set to acquire a new sobriquet 8211; the green city.

And the credit for the transformation from the gray city to green city goes to the Surat Municipal Corporation SMC, whose beautification drive made all the difference.

For those who have been to the city in the pre-plague days, the new look is refreshing and envious. The green change is for all to see. Consider these facts: Till 1974 there were only six gardens in the city. By 1994, the SMC added 15 new gardens. And in just four years, from 1995 to 1998, 19 new gardens were developed, which is a record by any sort.

The laying of gardens at such a fast rate has been possible after then municipal commissioner P Basu set up a project cell in 1987 8212; as suggested by H K De, Superintendent of Zoo, Park and Garden for the 8212; 8220;speedy development of gardens.8221; The project cell under De comprises a deputy engineer, a junior engineer, a supervisor and an assistant architect.

Talking to Express Newsline, De said considering the sheer number of vehicles and the industrial units, which have adversely affected the city8217;s environment, the SMC, along with its civic projects, took up the Green Surat project.

He said the body had also taken up a project to develop the existing ponds within the city limits. 8220;We have planned the ponds in such a manner that there would be sufficient water storage throughout the year8221;, De said, adding they also planned to lay gardens around the ponds.

Claiming that ever since the Subhash Sarovar was developed in 1996, the water table in the surrounding locality had gone up, he said boating facilities have also been provided at the Sarovar.

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He said the exclusive gardens for the elderly 8212; Shanti-Kunj8217; and Shanti- Van8217; 8212; provided free reading facilities for the aged by way of newspapers and magazines. These gardens are open for visitors from 7 to 11 am and 4 to 8 pm. No other civic body in the state provides such facility to the aged, he claimed.

The corporation8217;s garden department had also undertaken road side plantation, mass plantation social forestry and plantation on road dividers and traffic islands as part of the drive, he said.

Flowering trees with fast growth have been planted on both sides ofhighways, starting right from toll gates. Plants selected for this purpose include Butea monsperma, Delonix, Cassia, among others. Saplings have been planted on open plots, earmarked for public purpose, in order to prevent encroachment, he said.

However, this is not all. The SMC has also been regularly conducting seminars and workshops to create public awareness and promote gardening, besides organising private garden competitions.