Gurugram to get its 1st urban forest

Sumedha Sharma

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Gurugram, February 11

Gurugram is set to get its first urban forest. The much-awaited Ghata ‘Nagar Van’ will be unveiled by February end as part of an initiative to boost green cover and reduce air pollution.

The urban forest is spread across 40 acres and is being cultivated using an investment of Rs 1.5 crore for fencing to thwart illegal felling of trees and land encroachment.

The project started in 2022 will incorporate visitor facilities, such as signage, walking tracks, seating arrangements, and the planting of medicinal herbs, in addition to indigenous fruit-bearing tree species and flowering plants, native to the Aravallis.

The Ghata lake once a flourishing natural waterbody and wetland of Gurugram had been reduced to a muck pond and is leading to considerable damage to the local flora and fauna.

The project aimed at its revival is funded by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. It is also designed to provide sustainable habitats for local wildlife. To support local species, the Forest Department will create waterbodies and grasslands to serve as hydration points and habitats for feeding, hiding and breeding.

“This will be first leap of the city towards sustainable development. The urban forest amidst city’s concrete jungle will not just help in dealing with environmental issues like the poor air quality but will also help in restoring ecological balance and revive lost waterbodies. The mini forest will give the city it’s very own lungs like Ridge in Delhi,” said DC Nishant Yadav.

It may be noted that similar forests are being developed in Palwal, Karnal, and Panchkula. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has funded the project, with Haryana initially receiving Rs 4.5 crore and another Rs 1.9 crore to follow.

Each urban forest spans 10 to 50 hectares, with a maximum of Rs 2 crore allocated for fencing and plantation. The funding is disbursed in two installments, with the MoEFCC releasing 70 per cent of the funds after project approval and the remaining after 60 per cent of the funds are utilised.

Spread across 40 acres

The project, spread across 40 acres, will incorporate visitor facilities such as signages, walking tracks, seating arrangements and the planting of medicinal herbs, in addition to indigenous fruit-bearing tree species and flowering plants native to the Aravallis