Nagar Van scheme will be launched in Navalur today

Hubballi: The forest department has taken the initiative to develop Nagar Van (urban forest) at Navalur village in Dharwad. Dharwad is one among the three cities selected by the central government for the development of urban forest in the state.
The work of developing urban forest will begin on Friday across the country with PM Narendra Modi launching the ambitious project.
DCF Sonal Vrishni told TOI that they have taken all measures to start the work of developing the urban forest. The central government will set the ball rolling on Friday by launching this project at Navalur. “We have 58 hectares of forest land in Navalur. Of this, we will develop the urban forest on 10 hectares of land by developing greenery. The project is aimed at developing greenery and increase lung space in urban areas and protect it from encroachment,” the DCF said, adding: “Initially, we will take plant Navagraha (planet) plants, rashi (zodiac) plants, and nakshatra (star) plants.”
She said that urban forestry will be developed within one year and massive plantation will be done under the programme, “We will fence the entire area to protect it and also make efforts to turn it into a tourist spot. We will do massive plantations of different species, including herbal and medicinal plants. We have already set up pergola, a watch tower, and installed children play equipment at the tree park,” she said.
She also said the central government has sanctioned Rs 2 crore for the development of urban forestry. RS Uppar, RFO, Dharwad said they will also create awareness among people to develop greenery as a part of this project.