Biggest ecotourism hub in Noida to open soon

NOIDA: An ecotourism hub with a city forest, herbal garden, biodiversity park and a wetland is on the verge of completion at Sector 91 in Noida. Spread across 146 acres, which makes it 1.5 times the size of Delhi’s Lodhi Garden, this park, once fully developed, will be the largest green space in the city.
While the city forest spread over 35 acres and herbal garden across 24 acres are ready, the 75-acre biodiversity park — the largest in the city — is nearing completion with plantation of over 8,000 trees. Also, Noida Authority has started the revival of the sector’s wetland spread across 12 acres, adjoining the herbal garden.

Authority officials expect to complete the revival of the wetland before monsoon, possibly by the beginning of June, to ensure maximum groundwater recharge, and hope to see over 15 bird species in the area around winter this year.
The wetland had construction debris from neighbouring areas dumped in it. It has now been cleared and experts along with residents from nearby sectors are helping revive the water body Resident species of birds like cattle egret have started flocking to the pond.
“Work is going on a war footing and we hope it will be done before monsoon. The pond and the adjoining area had been disturbed by construction waste dumping. Reviving it will be very helpful for groundwater recharge, which is essential for a city like Noida,” said Rajeev Tyagi, general manager, Noida Authority.
“We are working on various fronts towards water conservation, recharge and reuse,” he added.
Once ready, this sprawling green oasis in Noida is likely to give the Lodhi Garden a tough competition. Spread over 90 acres, the popular historical park in central Delhi is not only a favoured gateway for Delhiites and joggers but has always attracted tourists from all parts of the country.
However, there are bigger green oases in the NCR like the Aravali Biodiversity Park in Gurgaon that stretches over 390 acres and Delhi’s Yamuna Biodiversity Park that’s spread over an area of 457 acres.
Residents from Sector 137 and other neighbouring areas are a happy lot, with greater importance being given towards environmental concerns in the area. Residents said it was a great step towards reducing dust pollution to ensure healthier living.
“Groundwater is depleting at a fast rate and Noida may soon not have any water left if proper steps are not taken for recharge. Conserving this wetland and the adjoining greens areas are essential and the much needed step in the right direction by the Authority,” said Abhisht Kusum Gupta, a resident of Sector 137.
“It will recharge water, maintain moisture to reduce dust pollution and keep the area cooler,” he added.