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Planting a million trees at the Lake Reserve, the acquired area behind it, the Botanical Garden and working on three man-made lakes at Patiala ki Rao, the work on the Greening Action Plan-2008 by the Chandigarh Administration is on in full swing. “We have identified potential areas within and around Chandigarh, have increased the density of plantation and are asking for people’s support for the same,” says Sanjay Kumar, Finance Secretary, UT, as he shows us a part of the Nepli Wildlife Sanctuary and tells us about the importance of preserving the flora and fauna.
With Ishwar Singh, IFS officer, UT Administration, acting as the tour guide, he says, “We have used engineering methods to construct 190 silt retention dams, 200 check dams, spurs, revetments and brushwood structures that help conserve soil.”
Having cleared weeds from the Shivalik hills and the forest around the city, the focus now is on promoting eco-tourism, he says, adding that is the reason the Nature Trails have been created at eight locations. “Traditional watch towers and signage camouflage along the nature trail, which add beauty to the trail. Here you get to see mammals, migratory birds, reptiles, butterflies and insects,” Singh says, as he moves to talk about the Botanical Garden. “It is an extension to the natural forests of Patiala ki Rao and will act as a natural park. Here we are also working to create a herbal garden to promote awareness about ayurveda and Indian medicines. This is being done in collaboration with AYUSH,” Ishwar adds, talking about the variety of medicinal plants — harar, bahera, amla, neem and arjun. So go enjoy the calmness, tranquillity and serenity of nature.
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