Keen to assess the precise green cover, the State government has initiated an aerial survey through drones and has successfully completed the study over the Tirupati region.
It is set to take it up in the Vijayawada region now, said S. Mustafa, general manager of the Andhra Pradesh Greening and Beautification Corporation.
Speaking to The Hindu here on Friday, he said the data gathered in the Rayalaseema region was being assessed. The survey would help identify green cover in a specific geographical area. “It will take one week to complete (the survey) in the Vijayawada region, which will be followed by Visakhapatnam,” he said.
Gardener training
Emphasising the corporation’s efforts to improve green cover in 13 districts, he said gardening workshops were being conducted in the city and already 100 candidates were trained in the nuances of the art. Amaravati would need thousands of professional gardeners to improve green cover. “Experts have been roped in to teach in the month-long workshops the art of landscaping, slopping, growing ornamental plants, avenue plants, nurturing parks, bonsai trees, dealing with plant diseases and use of several implements.” Mr. Mustafa said.
Employment
“The trained gardeners are now employed in CRDA, Amaravati Development Corporation, Rose Society, private schools, colleges and universities. Apart from unemployed youth we are training employees of civic bodies. A stipend of ₹300 along with breakfast and lunch would be provided to unemployed youth,” he said.“We have in-house architects and horticulturists who will visit various municipalities and corporations in the State and give their designs as per the requirements. We are taking up green enhancement in temples and the best example is the Kanaka Durga temple here,” he said.
