Delhi: The Kejriwal Government has developed Delhi's first ‘Goreya Gram’ in Garhi Mandu City Forest to increase the population of sparrows in the state. Environment, Forests, and Wildlife Minister Gopal Rai visited the Garhi Mandu City Forest in East Delhi today to see the city's first Goreya Gram. During the visit, the invited delegates and other people were also made aware of the Sparrow bird through Nukkad Natak (street play). This Goreya Gram has also provided a natural habitat for butterflies. In addition, a herbal garden facility has been made available to the general public.
"The Delhi government, led by Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, is taking all necessary steps to improve the environment in Delhi and reduce pollution levels. In a similar vein, the government has established the first Goreya Gram in Garhi Mandu City Forest to protect the Delhi state bird, the sparrow. The primary goal of this Goreya Gram is to provide ecological assistance to sparrows," said Environment Minister Gopal Rai after the Goreya Gram visit.
He added, "In recent years, the number of sparrows in Delhi has steadily decreased. Several studies have linked this to increasing urbanisation in Delhi, indiscriminate pesticide use, and even electromagnetic radiation. Sparrow birds have been suffering from a food shortage as a result of increased pesticide use in agriculture, and their species is rapidly extinction"
What are the features of Goreya Gram?
He continued, “Garhi Mandu City Forest is one of the four city forests that will be developed to world-class standards, we have developed Delhi's first sparrow village there. The department has very well depicted the life cycle of a sparrow in this Goreya Gram. Insect houses have been constructed here for sparrow birds so that they do not have to forage for food. Nesting holes have been built here as well, due to the scarcity of nesting holes in cities.”
He added, “The department has planted native berries, grass, and shrubs like Karonda and Kundli here for sparrows. Along with this, feeder boxes, artificial nests, and earthen pots have also been kept in the Goreya Gram. Along with this, natural habitats have also been developed for butterflies. Due to which their number has already seen a considerable increase.”
Herbal Garden is also developed for the general public
Environment and Forest Minister Gopal Rai said, “Facilities for sparrow birds as well as the general public have been developed in Goreya Gram. An herbal garden has also been accessible to the general public. This herbal garden offers people free medicinal plants to use at home. Plants like Patharchatta, Carom, Tulsi, and Aloe Vera are among them.”
Delhi's 4 city forests will be developed at World Class Level
To increase the city's green cover, the Forest and Wildlife Department has set a goal of creating 19 world-class level city forests in Delhi. The goal of the first phase is to develop the four main city forests in Delhi's four corners. Mitraun City Forest is located in South West Delhi, while Alipur City Forest is located in North Delhi, Garhi Mandu City Forest is located in East Delhi, and Jaunapur City Forest is located in South Delhi. These four city forests cover 286 acres of land in Delhi. This project will develop 98 acres of Mitraun City Forest pocket A and B, 48 acres of Alipore City Forest, 42 acres of Garhi Mandu City Forest, and 98 acres of Jaunpur City Forest.
Environment and Forest Minister Gopal Rai while congratulating the Forest and Wildlife Department for the Goreya Gram said, "With this Goreya Gram, we hope to raise public awareness about sparrow extinction and contribute to their conservation. In addition, our government wants to provide a place for Delhi residents to appreciate nature while also educating the next generation about it. The Kejriwal government is motivated by ecological security to develop and maintain Delhi's city forests."