Bhubaneswar: Around 2,000 people from different sections of the society gathered planted more than 1,000 saplings of different species at the hilltop in Buddha Jayanti Park of Bhubaneswar on Monday.
The plantation drive was part of ‘Sabuja Pahada’ initiative, jointly conducted by Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and Chandaka Wildlife Division. The saplings were planted in an area of 12 acre in the hill.
Hundreds of senior citizens, members of Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), SHGs, market associations, religious associations, transgender community and NGOs, representatives of political parties among others joined the plantation drive. Earlier, around 3,000 saplings were already planted in the park.
Speaking on the occasion, Bhubaneswar mayor Sulochana Das said, “BDA’s ‘Sabuja Pahada’ project is a wonderful initiative as it involves local communities and people from all walks of life to save our environment. Since nurturing a tree is similar to raising a child, now our duty should be taking care of these saplings for its better growth.”
Thanking everyone for participating in the afforestation drive, Balwant Singh, vice-chairman of BDA urged the people to show the same spirit in taking care of these plants like their own children. “It is crucial to begin planting trees in urban and suburban areas to increase green cover and maintain the biodiversity. Buddha Jayanti Park is one of the finest assets of BDA. We will further improve its overall beauty and attractiveness with introduction of a host of unique amenities for visitors,” he added.
The BDA plans to plant 4000 saplings in the hill with a budget of Rs 80 lakh. Chandaka DFO has taken the responsibility of maintenance of the trees for three years. “We must spare a thought for nature and our environment at least once in a day and behave responsibly to protect the God’s gift to humanity,” Sanjeet Kumar, RCCF, Bhubaneswar Circle, said on the occasion.
In order to transform the Buddha Jayanti Park as active play space for children and fitness zones for all citizens, the BDA has undertaken several smart interventions. Those include open air fitness equipment or gym, jungle trail, offroad track, rock seating, Miyawaki Forest, jungle café, acupressure walkways, basketball court, dedicated kids zones, yoga lawns, mandaps, water bodies, splash pools.
