Shinrin-Yokuis a new concept for Indian, but Hyderabadis are getting used to Forest Bathing, it entails. It is a Japanese practice of experiencing the calm and quiet among the trees and connecting yourself to the nature. It wasn’t possible earlier due to lack of easily accessible dense forests to enjoy the nature. Now, Telangana forest department is creating Urban Forest Parks to facilitate Shinrin-Yoku.
Urban Forest Parks were started in Telangana two years ago to create thick forest blocks near cities and brings the nature close to the people. Now,109 Urban Forest Parks are being developed in the State of which 21 are in Hyderabad only. These parks are the lungs of these cities reducing pollution, increase green areas and providing thick forests around the cities.
Speaking with Indian Masterminds, Mr Mohan Chandra Pargaien, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF Development), Hyderabad, said “The Urban Forest Parks is an excellent solution for climate change adaptations and biodiversity conservation. Without disturbing the natural forest structure, we are creating amenities inside it for people where they can feel the nature.”
THE CONCEPT
Telangana forest department replanted 9.65 lakh acres land in 2022, rejuvenated13 lakh acres of forest besides developing 109 urban forests. More than 80 of these urban parks are fully functional open to the public. Remaining 29 parks are in various stages of development.
Speaking with Indian Masterminds, 2013 batch IFS officer Krishna, who is addl. commissioner at GHMC, Hyderabad said, “Some area in these parks is designated visitors’ zone to let people to enjoy the nature. There are walking tracks and some basic amenities in visitors’ zone. Remaining area is converted into a thick forest.”
GREENER HYDERABAD
Urban Forest Parks Concept is spread across all Telangana cities. But its impact is more visible in Hyderabad because of high number forest blocks here. Forest cover in Hyderabad city has increased from 33.15 square kilometres to 81.81 square kilometers, almost 147%, in the last few years. Around 60 forest blocks have been developed into urban parks in and around 30-35 km of Hyderabad city.
2010 batch IFS Officer Shantharam S, who is Deputy Conservator of Forests (Social Forestry), Hyderabad, said, “Urban forest parks do not have parks’ features like grasslands or play area. It is a typical forest. We do everything here as per Forest Conservation Act.”
HARITHA HARAM
Telangana government is spending more than Rs. 600 crores to develop these urban forests to protect and conserve the local biodiversity under ‘Telanganaku Haritha Haram’, which is being touted as the biggest plantation drive in the country and third in the world.
During this drive, Telangana has planted 242 crore saplings in the past 7 years, which far exceeds the original target of 230 crore saplings aimed at improving the forest cover 24% in 2014to 33%.
