Ghaziabad's Major Biodiversity Park Project Progressing Towards Year-End Completion
Officials from the Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation have confirmed that construction work on the ambitious Ghaziabad biodiversity park is actively underway, with an anticipated completion date set for the end of this year. This significant urban green space, sprawling across 62 acres in the very heart of the city, has now commenced its ground levelling phase, marking a crucial step forward in its development.
Reviving a Former Water Body into a Green Oasis
The park's location was historically a water body, necessitating extensive filling operations before any foundational work could begin. A municipal official elaborated, "The area where the park is emerging used to be a water body, and we had to undertake filling activities prior to starting construction. We are optimistic that the park's development will be finalized by the conclusion of this year." This project, which carries a total budget of Rs 15 crore, is being financed under the central government's AMRUT 2.0 scheme, following approval from the Uttar Pradesh state government in July 2024. Notably, the initiative has been in planning stages for approximately a decade, facing multiple delays due to various obstacles before gaining recent momentum.
Strategic Location and Environmental Impact
Situated near the bustling Mahamaya Stadium, one of Ghaziabad's most congested and polluted zones, the park is poised to function as a vital "green lung" for the city. Upon completion, it is expected to play a key role in alleviating the adverse effects of air pollution, offering residents a much-needed respite and contributing to improved air quality in the urban environment.
Financial Breakdown and Sustainable Features
The funding structure involves a substantial contribution from both state and central governments. The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated Rs 1.81 crore, while the central government's share stands at Rs 75.64 lakh. An initial installment of Rs 2.57 crore has already been disbursed to support the project's advancement.
According to the detailed project report, the park will incorporate several eco-friendly and modern amenities:
- An automatic irrigation system valued at Rs 6.54 crore to ensure efficient water management.
- A 40 KLD sewage treatment plant costing Rs 30 lakh to handle wastewater sustainably.
- Solar energy integration through panels generating 60 kVA of electricity, with an investment of Rs 30 lakh, promoting renewable energy use.
Rich Biodiversity and Extensive Recreational Facilities
The park will host an impressive array of approximately 450 species of plants, encompassing fruit-bearing trees, flowering varieties, and ornamental plants. This diverse collection will include cycas, bamboo, orchids, and numerous medicinal plants, enhancing the area's ecological value.
In addition to its botanical richness, the design incorporates wetlands, lakes, observation mounds, expansive lawns, and dedicated recreation areas. A municipal official detailed the planned amenities: "Recreational and wellness facilities—such as picnic spots, playgrounds, sports sections, a jogger's track, lotus pond lakes, plazas, recreation zones, zones of silence, exhibition areas, a pavilion, yoga spaces, and a food court—will also be established."
Further highlights include a 2.5-acre pond and specialized garden sections like a Rose Garden, Medicinal Udyan, Knowledge Garden, Vasant Vatika, Navgraha Vatika, Sharad Vatika, and Bal Vatika, catering to various interests and age groups.
This transformative project represents a major step forward in Ghaziabad's urban planning, aiming to blend environmental conservation with community well-being, and is eagerly awaited by citizens seeking greener, healthier public spaces.
