HYDERABAD: Green cover in majority of the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across Telangana are dwindling with each passing day due to rapid urbanisation. While the National Forest Policy maintains that a minimum of 33 percent of the total geographical area of a state should be under forest cover for ecological balance, in Telangana only 24.35 percent is under forest cover. The forest cover in the state is around 27,293 sq.km
The percentage of green cover in some of the ULBs like Armoor was 3.84 percent, Gadwal (6.10), Peerzadiguda (10.97), Adilabad (12.77) and Boduppal (18.70). The scenario in other ULBs is no better.
In this connection, Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration (CDMA) has drawn plans to enhance the urban greenery in all ULBs to improve life and environment for the urban population by taking up Urban Green Enviroment Project (UGEP).
Destruction of forests, cutting of trees in open places in urban area for new layouts, construction of buildings etc., are the major factors contributing to loss of green cover. CDMA has proposed to procure consultants to provide consultancy services for preparation of detailed project reports on UGEP in all 72 ULBs.
IBRD aid for municipal development
The Central government has received financing from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) in the form of loan towards the cost of Telangana Municipal Development Project (TMDP). The CDMA, an implementing agency, proposes to apply a portion of the proceeds for consulting services. The UGEP components include developing open space for tree parks, complete parks (more than 0.5 acre) and children parks.