City to get botanical bouquet with 3 biodiversity parks

Ludhiana: In a first, the MC will develop three biodiversity parks in the city from this month. The parks will have rare plants and old species of trees. History and benefits of these trees will be written on blocks placed underneath them. The parks will be developed in the next few months.
The civic body started identifying locations for development of these parks after receiving directions from the National Green Tribunal. Plantation was supposed to start in March but the process was delayed by the Covid-19 lockdown. The parks will be developed in Leisure Valley, vacant land in Phase 5, Focal point and sewerage treatment plant of Balloke.
Junior engineer, horticulture branch Kripal Singh said, “We are ready to start developing these parks at identified locations. From June 15, we will start digging pits for plantation, which will be carried out from July onwards.” He said the plants will be procured from the district forest department and nursery of Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority (GLADA).
MC commissioner K P Brar said, “Due to lockdown, we had to delay the process but we have now arranged everything. Usually, birds and animals are kept in biodiversity parks but this is difficult in the city, so we will be doing plantation only.”
Residents appreciated the move but pointed out that while Leisure Valley is located in the interior areas, the other two areas are far away. Pawan Gupta, a resident of Civil Lines said, “It is good that the civic body is planning something on these lines but they should select sites within the city, especially in areas where there are fewer public parks. Residents would like to take their children to such parks to gain knowledge about the medical value of trees and plants.”
114 types of plants in offing
Horticulture branch officials said they will plant saplings of 114 types of plants and trees in these biodiversity parks. Medicinal plants, shrubs and varieties of ficus and palm trees will be given preference. While Leisure Valley already has plantation, Focal Point and Balloke will undergo complete transformation.