Noida Authority strives to make city greener, to plant trees on 500 acres

The Noida Authority has decided to add 500-acre green cover area to the city. The Authority said only 18 per cent area is green and it aims at adding two per cent during the current fiscal. 

To achieve the target, parks will be developed, trees andshrubs will be planted, while area of protected zone will be expanded. Notably, the city’s green zone is in danger due to massive urbanisation, encroachment, etc, and environmentalists have been blaming the local bodies for this.

The Authority has identified more than 175 spots carry out the green exercise. At present, there are nearly 1,152 acres of green belt and plans are afoot to enhance it by 139 acres. Trees will also be planted along roadsides, covering 110 km. The Authority has earmarked an additional 180 acres for parks, including in residential and institutional areas, where saplings are being planted. “We are committed to increase the city’s green cover. If things go well, the target will be achieved before June next year,” said an official.

Officials said work on over 25 new parks has already been carried out this year. “The authority has allocated additional Rs 50 crore for achieving the target. The horticulture department has been directed to spend the money as per the requirement. Senior officials have been monitoring the work. Plants and saplings are being given for free to people  interested in undertaking plantation. We urge people not only to plant more trees, but also nurture them. This will go a long way in preserving the environment,” the official said.

Besides, a 75-acre biodiversity park is coming up in Sector 91. The project is in full swing. The project is likely to get completed in two years. The estimated cost of the project will be around Rs 50 crore.