Odisha: BDA to create parks to address loss of green cover

BHUBANESWAR, Odisha: The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has come up with a plan to develop three hills in and around the city as biodiversity and ecological parks under the ‘Sabuja Pahada’ project to address the loss of green cover due to urbanisation.

The horticulture wing of BDA has initiated measures for the development of Sokharchandi hilltop with its peripheral area as a biodiversity park, Bachhera hilltop at Jatni as an ecological park, and Budhha hilltop as a nature park.

Sources said that the agency has also planned to develop the hilltop and its peripheral area as a biodiversity park with amenities for visitors and a massive plantation to retain its green cover.

BDA sources said as part of the project, 10,000 saplings of indigenous varieties will be planted on the hill and its surroundings in the first phase. Tall saplings of 10 to 12 feet in height consisting of around 30 varieties have been proposed to be planted. Besides, 8,000 flowering shrubs will also be planted at some select spots. Odisha Forest Development Corporation has been entrusted with the task of taking up the plantation work for which ₹3.52 crore will be spent, sources said.

Similarly, BDA has also decided to develop Bachhera Hill Park at Jatni as an ecological park for which an area of about 30 acres has been earmarked for plantation and the creation of amenities for visitors. 

Apart from this, the Buddha hilltop development at Buddha Jayanti Park will also go under progress where the BDA has completed the nature trail, cycle trek, pathway, garden lighting, and water supply work. Around 4,000 saplings will be planted and maintained for three years at the site by Chandaka Wildlife Division, BDA officials said. They said ₹80 lakh has already been sanctioned for the purpose.  

Ashokananda Dhar, In-charge Chief Horticulturist of BDA said steps are being taken to complete the projects at the earliest. “While plantation at Bachhera hill will be launched from Monday to revive the barren hill, plantation at Sikharchandi and Buddha hilltop parks will also be expedited. “These parks will help bring people in the city and its periphery closer to nature,” he said.