‘City forests’ to enhance Chandigarh’s greenery

The Department of Environment and Forests has undertaken work for creating 'city forests' in different parts of the city. While one such green space is nearing completion at Rajiv Gandhi IT Park, another is is to be developed in Sector 26.

The 13-acre land acquired in 2001by the department of forests in the Rajiv Gandhi IT park, was barren and harboured brick furnaces earlier. Since then, different varieties of trees have been put up around it, in an attempt to develop it into a green area. Also, landscaping was done keeping in mind the corporates who work in the buildings of the IT park.

Saurabh Kumar, Deputy Conservator of Forests said, "Benches, walking track and meditation huts have been put up. The names of the trees have been put up in three languages, Hindi, Punjabi and English. This has been done to sensitise people towards nature."

On the same lines, the arboretum in Sector 26 is being enriched. More trees are being planted to increase forest cover. Landscaping and beautification of the area in Sector 26 is already in process. Trees like Banyan, Peepal, Corregia, Kikar, Arjun, Sehtut, Bans, Acacia, Sheesham and Dhak Flower, (which is the state flower of Chandigarh) are being planted. The department of forests will also be developing more un-classed forest area in the city to 'city forests'. These areas are to be kept open for residents who wish to walk there. These places have also become the natural habitat of some bird species like the Bluebill and the Grey Hornbill.

These areas are being developed to enhance the micro-climate of various Sectors in Chandigarh, said Saurabh Kumar. "Due to global warming and pollution, the natural fauna is getting disturbed. So, this is one of the measures taken up by the department of forests towards sensitisation and preservation of natural habitat," he said.

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