The Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) has formulated a comprehensive plantation strategy for the upcoming monsoon season, focusing on key arterial roads, junctions, and green belts across the city. According to officials, the plan aims to plant more than three lakh shrubs, hedge plants, and trees to enhance the urban landscape and mitigate environmental issues.
Plantation Targets Along Major Corridors
Under the proposed plan, approximately 1.2 lakh shrubs and 20,000 trees will be planted along National Highway 8, stretching from Signature Towers to Rajiv Chowk. Additionally, a significant plantation drive is planned for the green belts of dividing roads in sectors 30-31, 40-41, and 31-40, where around 1.1 lakh shrubs and 60,000 hedge plants are expected to be introduced.
A GMDA official emphasized that the plantation initiative is not solely aimed at improving the city's aesthetics but also at reducing the urban heat island effect. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced at busy intersections and corridors where vehicles remain stationary for extended periods, contributing to heat and pollution. By increasing green cover, the authority hopes to create a cooler and cleaner environment.
Plant Species Selection
Officials have identified a variety of flowering and shade-loving species for shrub plantations, including calliandra, hibiscus, hamelia, bauhinia, and jatropha. For tree plantations, species such as amaltas, gulmohar, kachnar, ficus, and desi ashok have been proposed for different stretches. These species are chosen for their adaptability to local conditions and their ability to provide shade and aesthetic value.
The plantation work will be integrated with ongoing green belt development projects, which include fencing, lawn development, encroachment removal, and clearance of construction and demolition waste. One of the key stretches identified for green belt enhancement is the Bakhtawar Chowk-Subhash Chowk corridor.
Additional Plantation and Budget
GMDA has also targeted nearly one lakh plantations along several other important roads, including MG Road, Vyapar Kendra Road, Galleria Market Road, roads between sectors 51-57, 51-52, and 52-52A, and the stretch from IFFCO Chowk to Southern Peripheral Road. A senior GMDA official disclosed that the estimated expenditure for plantation along these stretches is around Rs 25 crore.
Species proposed for these areas include neem, pride of India, kachnar, bougainvillea, and tecoma. Some projects have already been allotted, while others are in the tendering or allotment stage. The agency responsible for plantation will also be tasked with maintenance to ensure the survival and growth of the plants.
Current Maintenance Activities
In addition to new plantations, the authority is carrying out pruning operations and removal of wild vegetation across several green belts. Multiple field teams have been deployed to ensure proper upkeep of existing plantations and improve the appearance of public spaces. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance the city's green cover and environmental quality.
Residents' Initiative for Dwarka Expressway
Meanwhile, residents of new sectors along Dwarka Expressway have approached Haryana's Minister for Environment, Forest & Wildlife, Rao Narbir Singh, seeking intervention to strengthen green cover in the area. They have proposed a comprehensive plantation campaign covering the 100-acre green area identified in Sector 102A under the Gurgaon-Manesar Urban Complex Master Plan 2031. The campaign would also include green belts along Dwarka Expressway, the precinct of the upcoming Maa Sheetla Devi Hospital & Medical College, sector roads, and other available public spaces across the corridor.
The residents argue that such an initiative would help improve air quality, enhance biodiversity, and create healthier living spaces, complementing the rapid infrastructure development in the region. Sunil Sareen, deputy convener of the Dwarka Expressway Gurugram Development Association, stated, 'Development and environmental sustainability must go hand in hand. The Dwarka Expressway region has the potential to emerge as a model green corridor for Gurgaon and Haryana. Residents are ready to actively participate in plantation, maintenance, and awareness activities to ensure the long-term success of this initiative.'
