Telangana Govt to develop another 36 Urban Forest Parks

Hyderabad : The Telangana Government is developing 36 Urban Forest Parks in an area of 17,410 Hectares in and around Hyderabad city.

Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao wanted all the forest blocks in and around cities to be developed into Urban Forest Parks (UFP) under the flagship programme of Telanganaku Haritha Haram. These Urban Forest Parks will not only provide the wholesome healthy living environment but also contribute to the growth of smart, clean, green, sustainable and healthy cities in the state. Main focus was given to development of all the forest blocks in and around Hyderabad into Urban Forest Parks. There are 193 Forest Blocks, having nearly 58,000 Ha area within the HMDA and GHMC limits, in the state. Initially, the Forest blocks falling within Outer Ring Road (ORR) are being developed and thereafter developing the Forest Blocks falling within 5 Kms from the ORR. Subsequently, Forest blocks falling within 10 Kms from ORR would be taken up for developing into Urban Forest Parks.

So far, 16 forest blocks have been taken up for developing into Urban Forest Park in and around Hyderabad, out of which 6 Urban Forest Parks have been opened for public. Another 36 Forest blocks, with an area of 17,410 Ha, have been taken up for developing into Urban Forest Parks in the state so far.

In order to develop a Forest block into Urban Forest Park many activities were taken up. The included providing complete protection to the Forest block through boundary wall, see-through wall, fencing or peripheral trench as the case may be; Developing the forests/greenery inside the park through plantations or other cultural operations under Assisted Natural Regeneration; Developing inspection paths, walking trail, cycle trail, fire lines, etc; Creation of watch tower, canopy walk, deer park, aviary, etc; Promotion of adventurous sports activities and Creation of public amenities including open gym etc.,

There is an entry fee for the developed park and the revenue earned from the Gate Fee and other sources is utilized for maintenance and further development of the park. These parks are a big hit among the local citizens and there is a lot of appreciation from the public. These parks are mainly being used by morning walkers, day visitors, school children and student community. These parks are providing lung spaces for the city dwellers and a great recreational facility during the week ends. These parks will not only provide the required oxygen to the city dwellers but will also play a vital role in the preservation and conservation of local bio-diversity and thus help in maintaining the local ecological balance. These parks will also help in percolation of rain water and helping in maintaining the under-ground water regime.

The State Government is providing funds under Afforestation Scheme to develop these parks and so far, Rs.17.42 Crores have been spent by Forest Department for developing these parks in the state.