In a significant push to expand its green lungs and foster environmental consciousness, the Punjab government has embarked on an ambitious project to develop eight new forest and nature awareness parks across the state. This initiative is a core part of the broader Greening Punjab Mission, aimed at substantially increasing the forest cover.
Strategic Locations for Maximum Impact
The Forest and Wildlife Preservation Department is executing this project on a war footing, with strategic placement of these green zones. Four parks are being developed in the Pathankot district, which holds ecological significance for the region. Two parks are coming up in Patiala, while one each is allocated for Amritsar and Hoshiarpur. This geographical spread ensures multiple communities gain access to dedicated nature spaces.
Park-wise Development Status
The department has provided specific details about the locations and current progress of these parks, highlighting a hands-on approach to urban forestry.
In Pathankot, the environment parks are being established at:
- Village Gharota, covering 0.50 hectares.
- Kataruchak, spanning 0.75 hectares.
- Panchayat land at Haibat Pindi, measuring 0.60 hectares.
- ITI Bamiyal.
In Patiala, two sites including Baron Minor have been identified for the environment parks. For Amritsar, the park is being developed at Village Jagdev Kalan Pul. Hoshiarpur will see the creation of a Van Chetna Park at Bassi Purani.
Rapid Progress on Ground
Active construction work is visible at several sites, indicating the project's momentum. At the Haibat Pindi park, the nature trail paved with interlocking tiles is already complete. Workers are now focused on installing play equipment and building open-air shelters, known as gazebos.
A similar stage of development is reported from the Gharota site, where the tiled nature trail is finished, and installation of play equipment and gazebos is currently underway.
The park at Kataruchak is also seeing swift progress, with work on both the interlocking tile nature trail and the play equipment installation moving ahead at a rapid pace.
A Green Future for Punjab
This concerted effort by the Punjab government underscores a committed shift towards enhancing biodiversity and providing citizens with recreational spaces that also serve as educational hubs for nature awareness. The development of these eight parks represents a tangible step in the state's long-term environmental strategy, promising cleaner air, increased wildlife habitats, and greener landscapes for future generations. The Greening Punjab Mission, through such focused projects, aims to create a sustainable model for ecological balance within the state's urban and semi-urban frameworks.
