Noida Authority has embarked on a significant green initiative this rainy season, aiming to plant 350,000 saplings across various sectors of the city. With approximately 100,000 saplings already planted and active participation from community groups, the authority is making substantial strides towards enhancing the city’s green cover.
The plantation drive, spearheaded by Noida Authority’s horticulture department in collaboration with citizens’ groups, witnessed the planting of 10,000 saplings in sectors 50, 90, 93, 137, and 142 over the weekend. Additionally, 100,000 saplings have been recently planted along the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway to bolster greenery in the region. To ensure the success of this initiative, Noida Authority has mobilized a workforce of 500 staff members and enlisted the support of 5,000 community volunteers. Their responsibilities include nurturing and maintaining the saplings, spread across residential areas, industrial zones, and open spaces throughout the city. “We are committed to achieving our target of planting the remaining saplings within the next month, focusing on weekend plantation drives to maximize efficiency,” stated the offcials from Noida Authority’s horticulture department. The emphasis lies on planting fruit-bearing trees such as mango, jamun, and guava, not only to enhance biodiversity but also to provide sustainable habitats for local wildlife.
Despite past challenges with sapling survival due to issues like poor maintenance, Noida Authority remains resolute in its efforts to expand the city’s green cover. Recent replanting efforts along the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway and other green belts underscore their commitment to overcoming these obstacles and ensuring the longevity of planted trees. Acknowledging the need to meet urban planning standards requiring 33% green cover, Noida Authority plans to develop five new parks within the next two years. This strategic expansion aims not only to fulfill regulatory requirements but also to offer enhanced recreational spaces for residents, further enriching the city’s quality of life. Environmentalists, while appreciating the annual plantation drives, stress the importance of effective maintenance to preserve existing green areas. They advocate for rigorous measures by Noida Authority to safeguard the health and sustainability of all planted trees, emphasizing that maintenance is as critical as planting itself in fostering a green and sustainable urban environment.
