Telangana: State Government to Develop 36 Urban Forest Parks under the flagship programme of Telanganaku Haritha Haram

Hyderabad: The Hon’ble Chief Minister of our state desires that all the Forest blocks in and around cities should be developed into Urban Forest Parks (UFP) under the flagship programme of Telanganaku Haritha Haram. These Urban Forest Parks will not only provide the wholesome, healthy living environment, but also contribute to the growth of smart, clean, green, sustainable and healthy cities in the state.

The Main focus is given to develop all the Forest blocks in and around Hyderabad into Urban Forest Parks. There are 193 Forest Blocks, having nearly 58,000 Ha area within the HMDA and GHMC limits, in the state. That, Initially that the Forest blocks falling within the Outer Ring Road (ORR) are being developed and thereafter developing the Forest Blocks falling within 5 Kms from the ORR. Subsequently the Forest blocks falling within 10 Kms from ORR shall be taken up for developing into Urban Forest Parks. So far, 16 Nos. Of Forest blocks have been taken up for developing into Urban Forest Park in and around Hyderabad, out of which 6 Urban Forest Parks have been opened for public. However, 36 Nos. Of Forest blocks with an area of 17,410 Ha. Have been taken up for developing into Urban Forest Parks in the state so far.

In order to develop a Forest block into Urban Forest Park the following sequential activities are taken up by the Forest Department
• Providing complete protection to the Forest block through boundary wall, see-through wall, fencing or peripheral trench as the case may be.
• Developing the forest /greenery inside the park through plantations or other cultural operations under Assisted Natural Regeneration.
• Developing inspection paths, walking trail, cycle trail, fire lines etc.
• Creation of a watch tower, canopy walk, deer park, aviary etc.
• Promotion of adventurous sports activities.
• Creation of public amenities including open gym etc.

There is an entry fee for the developed park and the revenue earned from the Gate fee and other sources is utilized for the maintenance and further development of the park. These parks are a big hit among the local citizens and there is a lot of appreciation from the public. These parks are mainly being used by morning walkers, day visitors, school children and student community. These parks provide lung spaces for the city dwellers and a great recreational facility during the weekends. These parks will not only provide the required oxygen to the city dwellers, but will also play a vital role in the preservation and conservation of local bio-diversity and thus help in maintaining the local ecological balance. These parks will also help in the percolation of rain water and helping in maintaining the under-ground water regime.

The State Government is providing funds under the Afforestation Scheme to develop these parks and so far, Rs.17.42 Crores have been spent by Forest Department for developing these parks in the state.
The details of Forest blocks taken up for developing into Urban Forest Parks are provided in the statement enclosed duly indicating this year’s budget and expenditure.