Gurgaon: GMDA has drawn up an extensive plantation plan this monsoon for the key arterial roads, junctions and green belts. The plan targets planting more than three lakh shrubs, hedge plants and trees, officials said.Under the plan, around 1.2 lakh shrubs and 20,000 trees will be planted along NH-8 between Signature Towers and Rajiv Chowk. Similarly, a major plantation drive has been proposed along the green belts of dividing roads in sectors 30-31, 40-41 and 31-40, where around 1.1 lakh shrubs and 60,000 hedge plants are planned.“Plantation is being undertaken not only to improve the city’s aesthetics but also to help reduce the urban heat island effect, particularly at busy intersections and corridors where vehicles remain stationary for long periods and contribute to heat and pollution,” a GMDA official said.Officials said flowering and shade-loving species such as calliandra, hibiscus, hamelia, bauhinia and jatropha have been identified for shrub plantations. Tree species proposed for various stretches include amaltas, gulmohar, kachnar, ficus and desi ashok.Officials said the plantation work is being planned alongside ongoing green belt development projects that include fencing, lawn development, encroachment removal and clearance of construction and demolition waste. Key stretches identified for green belt enhancement include the Bakhtawar Chowk-Subhash Chowk corridor.In addition, GMDA has targeted nearly one lakh plantations along MG Road, Vyapar Kendra Road, Galleria Market Road, roads between sectors 51-57, 51-52 and 52-52A, and the stretch from IFFCO Chowk to Southern Peripheral Road. “The expenditure for the plantation along these stretches is estimated at around Rs 25 crore,” another senior GMDA official said.Species proposed for these stretches include neem, pride of India, kachnar, bougainvillea and tecoma. “Some projects have already been allotted; others are currently under the tendering or allotment stage. The agency will not only be tasked with plantation but will also be responsible for maintenance,” the official said.The authority is also carrying out pruning operations and removal of wild vegetation across several green belts. Multiple field teams have been deployed to ensure proper upkeep of plantations and improve the appearance of public spaces.Meanwhile, the residents of new sectors along Dwarka Expressway have also sought intervention from Rao Narbir Singh, Haryana’s minister for environment, forest & wildlife, to strengthen green cover in the area.They have proposed a comprehensive plantation campaign covering the 100-acre green area identified in Sector 102A under Gurgaon-Manesar Urban Complex Master Plan 2031, green belts along Dwarka Expressway, the upcoming Maa Sheetla Devi Hospital & Medical College precinct, sector roads and other available public spaces across the corridor.The residents argued that it would help improve air quality, enhance biodiversity and create healthier living spaces while complementing the rapid infrastructure development in the area.“Development and environmental sustainability must go hand in hand. The Dwarka Expressway region has the potential to emerge as a model green corridor for Gurgaon and Haryana. Residents are ready to actively participate in plantation, maintenance and awareness activities to ensure the long-term success of this initiative,” said Sunil Sareen, deputy convener of Dwarka Expressway Gurugram Development Association.
