Greenery cell proposed for more lungspace in Kudla

July 26, 2014 08:36 am | Updated 08:36 am IST - Mangalore:

Mangalore Mayor Mahabala Marla watering a sapling at the vanamahotsavaobserved by the Dakshina Kannada Working Journalist Union in Mangaloreon Friday. Photo: R. Eswarraj

Mangalore Mayor Mahabala Marla watering a sapling at the vanamahotsavaobserved by the Dakshina Kannada Working Journalist Union in Mangaloreon Friday. Photo: R. Eswarraj

With there being little coordination between departments on greening of the city, a dedicated Green Cell along the lines of the one formed in Bangalore, should be formed here, said Sanjay Bijjur, Chief Conservator of Forests, Mangalore.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the ‘vanamahotsava’ (tree planting drive) organised by the Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists Union at Urva here on Friday, Mr. Bijjur said a dedicated wing at the Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) could chalk out plans to ensure tree plantation along with road development.

“Urban greening is a science itself. Even pavements at K.S. Rao Road can be beautified with stunted trees if only a little space was given. In Bangalore, the greenery cell ensures proper planting of trees and shrubs on medians and city spaces. They even identify small spots to convert into lung spaces and parks,” he said.

Mr. Bijjur said the Forest Department had planted nearly 10,000 samplings in and around the city this year, and were awaiting detailed plans from MRPL (Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemical Limited) to undertake a “massive” afforestation campaign there.

Lack of coordination

The Green Mangalore scheme was launched by the MCC to bridge the lack of coordination between departments, said Mayor Mahabala Marla.

The scheme would ensure coordination among the corporation, the horticulture and the forest departments, he said.

“Unfortunately, what is happening now is that MCC officials plant trees that either die off or will have to be cut in two years because they come dangerously close to electric wires. There is a need to change this and get expertise on what kind of species should be planted where,” he said.

He added that there was no “shortage” of funds to develop parks or green spaces in the city.

Vanamahotsava

With the sapling plantation drive being conducted in Urva in front of the Press Club, Mr. Marla said the MCC would consider whether to develop the stretch between Ladyhill circle and Urva Market circle into a park or a green space.

Conducted for the fourth year in a row, the symbolic plantation drive saw numerous saplings of fruit- and flower-bearing seeds being planted.

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