Administrative nod for three forest blocks in Hyderabad

The State government, under the ‘Telanganaku Haritha Haram’ campaign, had allocated 129 forest blocks within Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) limits to different departments for taking up works. Of these, three blocks, including Borampet, Ramaram and Suraram (one cluster), Nadergul I and II and Madannaguda were allocated to GHMC for development. The Standing Committee of GHMC had passed a resolution and sought administrative sanction from the Government. Accordingly, the State government accorded administrative sanction for Rs 17.75 crore last week, Municipal Administration and Urban Development Officer on Special Duty V Krishna said.

The developmental works inside the forest blocks will be carried out under the technical guidance of the Forest Department. After the development works are completed, the forest blocks will be handed over to the Forest department for further maintenance. Of the 17.75 crore sanctioned for three



blocks, a majority of the component will be utilised for periphery fencing to ensure proper maintenance and to avoid any irregularities. All the works will be taken as per the Forest Conservation rules without disturbing the forest cover. Special care has to be taken for taking up the works as they cannot be developed like municipal parks by introducing different commodities, he said.

The idea is to facilitate visitors to relax and rejuvenate. There will be different theme-based walking tracks like canopy walks etc., besides recreational facilities in the visitors zone, he added. While the GHMC’s Engineering wing will be taking up the periphery fencing works, the rest of the works will be handled by the Urban Forestry wing. At present, conceptual plans are being prepared and they will be ready in about 10 days. The plans will be submitted to the Government for final approval and all the works will be completed by March, said Krishna.