Telangana Finance Minister T Harish Rao and Environment Minister A Indrakaran Reddy today inaugurated the state's 36th urban forest park, Kalpakavanam, at Gajwel mandal's Sangapur in Siddipet.
Speaking on the occasion, the ministers lauded the state government's efforts to set up such forest parks, and added that green pockets were essential not only for environmental protection, but were also central to ensuring healthy urban living.
"The entire nation is today appreciating the Telangana government's efforts to set up urban parks, increasing green cover and afforestation in the state. Our's is the only state to introduce an Act for green cover expansion and protection. Under the guidance of Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao the green cover in the state has increased by 4% as we have planted 230 crore saplings across Telangana so far. Due to these efforts, the people of our state do not need to travel to faraway places to escape pollution. We would urge the people to also support our efforts, and plant new trees and protect existing ones," they said.
The park, spread over 292 acres, has been developed at a cost of about Rs 7.50 crore. It houses swings and playgrounds for children, and other spaces for recreation, including a watch tower, an open air gymnasium, an open dining area and a gazebo. Special provisions for cooking have also been developed so that visitors can enjoy picnics at the park.
The other initiatives taken by the TRS government for the protection of the environment include its Haritha Haram scheme for re-greening, and its efforts to
amp up wetland protection measures in the state, develop
a sustainable market place, and
promote vermiculture.