Telangana: Environmental protection through development of urban forest parks and green forests across the state: Special CS Shanthi Kumari
Special CS A. Shanti Kumari said that the urban forest parks (green forests) that are being developed across the state in line with the instructions of Chief Minister KCR are reminiscent of scenic beauty with greenery.
The Forest Department is developing 179 urban forest parks (green forests) across Hyderabad and across the state through “Green for Telangana”. The progress was reviewed by the Forest Department along with officials from the Municipal, HMDA, GHMC, Forest Corporation and other concerned departments at the Shanti Kumari Aranya Bhavan today.
A total of 179 green forests are being developed on one lakh and seventy seven thousand acres (1.77 Lakh Acres). Of these, it was earlier decided to plant two crore seedlings. Measures should be taken to increase lush greenery and increase biodiversity by planting toll plants in vacant lots in all green forests.
The Special Chief Secretary reviewed the progress of the parks undertaken in different areas branch-wise. About 60 lakh saplings have been planted so far against the target of Rs 2 crore, officials said. Shantikumari has ordered that the remaining one crore and forty lakh plants should be planted 100 per cent by next November.
The forest parks that have already been developed are getting good praise from various quarters and the rest of the parks are expected to be completed in the same spirit. He said the parks should be equipped with minimum facilities for those who come for health and pleasure, as well as raising awareness on the environment and afforestation.
It was suggested that forest boundaries should be identified in areas where green forests are being developed and immediate disputes should be resolved. It was suggested to seek the cooperation of the concerned departments along with the Collector at the district level for resolving disputes.
During this review meeting, PCCF (HoFF) R. Shobha, PCCF (Social Forestry) R. M. Dobrial, Municipal Commissioner Dr. N. Satyanarayana, GHMC Commissioner D.S. Lokesh Kumar, VC and MD, Forest Development Corporation. Dr.G. Chandrasekhara Reddy, HMDA (Urban Forestry) Director Dr. Prabhakar and other officials were present.
