MCG to plant 3,000 trees along 5 major roads in Old Gurugram

GURUGRAM: MCG is planning to carry out a massive tree plantation drive along five stretches of the old city — Pataudi road, Old Delhi-Gurugram road, Old Railway road, New Railway road and MG Road.

According to officials in the know, around 3,000 trees will be planted along these five roads, tenders for which have already been floated.

“We’ve opened the tenders asking for agencies to plant trees. As soon as they are allotted, work should start during this monsoon season itself,” said Ajay Nirala, executive engineer (horticulture), MCG.

Most of the trees to be planted will be indigenous species, such as Ashoka, Gulmohar, Pilkhan and Cassia.

He added all five roads are actually under GMDA, although it will be MCG that will carry out the plantation drive, in consultation with GMDA.

Officials said none of these five roads have any designated green belts, hence, trees will be planted wherever they can find space. The maintenance of the saplings will be done by the agency appointed. As of now, only 3% of the city has green cover, which should ideally be around double that figure. In the older parts, the situation is even worse. Lack of trees also leads to heavy water-logging in many parts of the older city.

Hence, plant more trees in this part of the city is necessary. It should be noted that this plantation drive is not a part of the Gurugram Green Plan, which proposes planting of trees along all major roads in the city.

TOI had earlier reported that mass plantation will be carried out as a part of the city’s Green Plan, following directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). This would also include beautification using sculptures, clean up of roads, pruning of trees, street furniture, planting of creepers along highways and fruit trees in parks.

While the project was initially launched by MCG, it’s responsibility has now been partially divested with GMDA. Sources said since most of the city’s major roads come under GMDA, the latter would be burdened with a chunk of the work under the Green Plan.

There were also reports of some issues between the two agencies over jurisdiction of areas under the Green Plan. MCG officials, however, said they are working with GMDA on the plan and have no differences with the latter in this regard.