GMDA push for more green cover with CSR funds

GURUGRAM: The GMDA on Tuesday kicked off its ‘Green Gurugram’ Initiative, in an attempt to increase the city’s green cover.
Under this, several green belts across the city will be redeveloped with amenities like pedestrian walkways, cycling tracks, amphitheatres and kids’ play areas under CSR initiatives of corporate firms, supported by GMDA officials.

As of now, 12 companies have signed up for the initiative, including Dell, MakeMyTrip, American Express, HSBC, Nagarro, Genpact, Max Life Insurance and Hughes Systique.

“We’ve received a promising response from these organisations. With their help, we’ll be able to build a network of green belts across the city,” said M D Sinha, additional CEO, GMDA, adding he is hopeful that over time, more organisations will join the initiative and help increase the city’s green cover. The main idea behind this project is to create a green corridor, by redeveloping and integrating green belts across the city. Some of the stretches selected for redevelopment are Iffco metro station to Huda City Centre, Anath Road, traffic signal in Sector 52 to Huda City Centre, Old Delhi Gurugram road and Huda City Centre to Bakhtawar Chowk.

Work on the stretch between Iffco Chowk metro station and Huda City Centre is already under way. It’s being developed by Suncity Projects, who have already submitted their proposal to GMDA.

“We’ll do the work on the stretch in phases, and hope to complete it within six months,” said Ankit Goel, Suncity Projects.

TOI had earlier reported that the green belt between Iffco Chowk and Huda City Centre is about to be transformed into a green public space, as GMDA plans to redevelop the stretch as a pilot for a ‘Green Corridor’.

Sinha said some of the amenities that would feature across all stretches would be green spaces, street furniture, auto stands and amphitheatres. Talking about the initiative, Deepak Ohlyan, VP, Dell, said, “Corporates chase their Green Gurugram dream in partnership with GMDA, and we feel great to be part of this initiative.” He added not only will the initiative put the responsibility of developing these stretches on corporates, but also that of maintaining them.