HMDA asked to keep three crore saplings ready

Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) is the third largest urban development authority in the country, spread over 7257sq.km having jurisdiction in five districts Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, Medak, Nalgonda and Mahbubnagar, 56 mandals and 848 villages.

The HMDA previously has taken up some prestigious projects in Hyderabad metropolitan area with a view to improve the green coverage in order to maintain environmental and ecological balances. HMDA maintains greenery on some of the important roads, flyovers, road interchanges in Hyderabad city such as Necklace road, PVNR express way, NH-44 (Shamshabad to Aramghar & Bowenpally checkpost  to Medchal) and won awards previously.

HMDA has brought about 19,336 Ha under green cover by planting about 154 lakh seedlings under different components. Further, 28 parks & lake parks are developed and being maintained by HMDA. About 320 Km roadside strip plantations are also been developed covering 60 peri-urban villages. During last three years HMDA has developed greenery all along the Outer Ring Road under various components by planting about three lakh seedlings. Under the “Telangana Ku Harita Haram” (TKHH) program, the State government allotted a target of planting of seven crore seedlings in three years in HMDA jurisdiction.

As per the mandate given to HMDA, the nursery raising details are as follows:  During 2015-16 nursery stock of 120.04 lakh has been raised in 21 nursery sites and out of which 35.00 lakh stock has been utilized for planting at various locations including free distribution to public as well as to various institutions. An amount of Rs.28.00 crores has been spent during the year 2015-16 for nursery and raising plantations. During 2016-17, HMDA has taken up raising of 3.00 crores seedlings including the left over seedlings of last year for planting and as well as distribution to public and various private and Government agencies with a budget provision of Rs.16.0 crores under TKHH.

HMDA has taken up two lakh seedlings block plantation program as part of ‘one day – 25 lakh Mega plantation drive’ on Monday. By July 9, 2016, 2.02 Lakh pits were dug up and kept ready for planting saplings. So far, 13 lakh seedlings were distributed to various Institutions/Government Departments/organizations/NGOs from HMDA nurseries for planting under TKHH. (NSS)