Eco Park joins list of 'World Urban Parks', goes global

Eco Park has crossed another milestone by getting highlighted in an international event. The area was turned into an ecological garden and has now caught the attention of 'World Urban Parks' — a New Zealand-based international organisation for urban parks and open space and recreation sector.

Eco Park is the only urban park in the country that has been accommodated in the World Parks Week event. The organisation has mentioned that "Eco Park is a large urban park in India" in its official Facebook page. It has invited Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO) to join World Urban Parks standing committee.

The World Parks Week, being held from April 29 to May 7, was inaugurated with an angling completion on Saturday that received overwhelming success.

Various events apart from angling were also incorporated like kayaking race, paddle boat competition, speed skating and slow cycling. According to officials, they expect around 400 participants.

Taking cue from the angling competition that was held on April 14, HIDCO and State Fisheries Development Corporation (SFDC) officials decided to hold the event again. Eco Park, renamed as Prakriti Tirtha by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, stands on 400-odd acre of land and has a surrounding waterbody measuring around 112 acre. It was Mamata Banerjee who urged HIDCO to utilise it and start angling for recreation purposes. There will be a series of events to celebrate the week in an interesting manner. On Sunday, there is kayaking race followed by a photography contest, paddle boat competition, slow and fast cycle competitions, speed skating and Segway tour. Except for the Segway tour, in all other events, the best competitors will be awarded.

The events have created a great enthusiasm among the residents of New Town. The participants include people representing various age groups and background.

After coming to power in 2011, Mamata Banerjee had asked the HIDCO authorities to develop Eco Park and convert it into a tourist attraction. The Eco Park has recorded a footfall of over 75 lakh since its opening in January 2013. The miniature of Seven Wonders of the World and the sculpture garden will be opening shortly.