Dwarka will have its own forested area in Sector 4 soon, thanks to initiative of DDA’s horticulture department. It is to be developed in the green area along the Palam Drain.
According to DDA officials, work is to begin before the start of monsoon this year. Deputy director, horticulture, Jameel Ahmad, said to City Spidey, “The is a first in Dwarka. We’ll develop it like the forest areas in Delhi, which are used by people for morning and evening walks — there will be walking tracks, benches and ornamental lights.”
He continued, “Such a forested area would help in supporting the natural flora and fauna of the area, and restore the ecological balance. It would also provide a habitat for birds in the area.”
The project is expected to cost Rs 10-15 lakhs, and a layout has already been prepared.
There are plans for other DDA parks as well — the bigger parks and district parks will be turned into themed parks, with a particular variety of plantation. According to officials, a herbal park would be developed in Sector 19; a rose park in Sector 22 and a Bougainvillea park at Sector 11.
According to sources, DDA has 94 parks that occupy more than three acres.
“A section of these parks would be developed into a theme. Information about the plants and the trees in the park would be displayed for the visitors. This initiative, too, is a first in Dwarka,” explained Ahmad.
Residents have welcomed the move.
President of Federation of RWAs, Sector 9, and president of Ganpati Apartments, KS Bhati, said, “I used to think why Dwarka didn’t have a city forest like in South Delhi. I am very happy that something like this is now happening in Dwarka — let’s hope they finish the project on time.”
President of ANHLGT (Association of Neighbourhood Ladies Get-together) Cicily Kodiyan said, “We have been trying to such things through our organisation since a long time. Now that the DDA is doing it we are really happy.”