Kolkata's historic McPherson Square, currently undergoing a significant renovation, is set to witness a major greening drive, with promises to plant more than double the number of trees initially mandated as compensation for lost greenery. This move comes three weeks after the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) directed the Dhanuka Dhunseri Foundation to plant 25 large trees.
From Controversy to Green Revival
A senior functionary from the group overseeing the project has now stated that approximately twice that number, around 50 trees, will be planted within the park within a month. Vivek Bhasin, Chief Executive (Plantations) of Dhunseri Tea, who is managing the plantation at the park also known as Maharana Pratap Udyan near Theatre Road-Loudon Street, emphasized a forward-looking approach.
"We want to move past the allegations of trees being cut to focus on regreening the park with various species of trees," Bhasin said. He added that about two dozen young trees, expected to grow to heights of 30-40 feet, have already been planted. "When work on the park is completed by Jan 15, not only will it be the greenest park in the city, but it will also be the best," he claimed.
Diverse Plantation and New Amenities Take Shape
A recent visit to the site revealed that plantation activities began after the concrete base for a boundary walking track was laid. Along the northern and eastern edges, young trees like Kanchan and white and red Champa, standing 10-12 feet tall, have been introduced. The eastern side features drooping deodar trees.
Gardeners were also busy planting saplings of ornamental plants such as crotons, ficus, and heliconia. Bhasin outlined an ambitious plantation plan that includes Rudrapalash, the Golden Shower Tree (Amaltas/Bandar Lathi), the Rosy Trumpet Tree (Basant Rani), and palm varieties like the Foxtail Palm.
The park's redesign isn't limited to greenery. A central feature under construction is a walk-in fountain on a large circular patch near the north-western entrance, intended to be the centrepiece of a new children's play area. This zone will include:
- A playhouse and multi-play station
- Toddler swings and a balancing bridge
- A mini sunset scrambler and net rock scrambler
"We will also lay a rubberised track so that those who walk can do so in comfort," Bhasin added, highlighting the focus on visitor experience.
Officials and Activists Adopt a Cautious Stance
While the plantation drive is underway, KMC parks department officials, who were previously unhappy about the felling of large trees for the park's beautification, have stated they will monitor the progress closely. An official noted, "We have noticed that plantation activity has got underway and will ensure that the park regains the greenery."
Environmental action group PUBLIC, which had earlier filed a police complaint at the Shakespeare Sarani police station concerning the destruction of greenery and concretisation, remains watchful. Green activist and PUBLIC founder Bonani Kakkar suggested planting specific shade-giving and colourful species like silk cotton, jarul, bauhinia, radhachura, kadam, and krishnachura, along with kamini for hedging.
Pradeep Kakkar, co-founder of PUBLIC, stressed the fundamental purpose of public parks. "Keeping in mind that public parks are public property, we need to carry the idea of public good through our choice of what we plant," he said. He argued that green cover should perform essential functions like providing shade, arresting dust, adding colour, and attracting birds. "There is hard evidence that parks make people feel good. Let's not kill the fundamental purpose by garnishing parks with fountains and jogging paths," he cautioned.
As the January 15 deadline for the park's completion approaches, all eyes will be on whether the promised transformation into Kolkata's 'greenest park' materializes, balancing modern amenities with ecological responsibility.
