Giving a complete green turnaround to solid waste management, huge mountains of waste have been turned into an ecological park in Ahmedabad. Solid waste management is the thrust of all civic administrations for sustainable growth and eco-friendly cities. While some struggle to process the huge mountains of dump, there are some who are setting examples for others to emulate. Indore is one prime example, becoming the cleanest city in the country for the fifth consecutive year. Now, Ahmedabad also seems to be following in its footsteps. After transforming the Pirana zone, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has now converted the Bopal dumping zone into an ecological park.
During a conversation with Indian Masterminds, the Municipal Commissioner of Ahmedabad, Mr. Mukesh Kumar, talked about the entire process of transforming a dumping yard into an ecological park and, also, explained how it is different from other similar types of projects.
3 LAKH TONS OF WASTE
It was an area of 8000 square metre filled with three lakh tons of waste. It was a mammoth task to begin with. However, Mr. Mukesh Kumar, who played a key role in the transformation, was determined to convert it into an ecological bliss.
Sharing the details of the project, the 1996-batch IAS officer said that AMC’s mission is to reconnect nature with humanity. So, it is focusing on introducing newer ways to make the city cleaner, greener,and vibrant. In the Bopal transformation project, Mr. Kumar and his team used various technology to make the park more viable.
RECONNECTING TO NATURE
Mr. Kumar said that he wanted the park to be unicorn and architecturally distinguished and well-blended with the elements of nature. So, the first task was to process the waste which included recycling and compost making. Then, around 900 trees of different species were planted, and the construction of utility areas was completed. The site consists of biodiversity plantation of around 188 exotic and endangered species. This provides a great habitation for birds and animals.
Apart from that, a pond of 600 square meter, utility areas, walking trail and an open gym were also constructed. “The newly constructed park is a natural bliss which offers an opportunity to people to reconnect with nature,” Mr. Kumar said.
EXOTIC COLLECTION OF TREES
The ecological park provides a pollution-free space for people to meditate and be near nature. The project will also boost socio-economic fabric of the city as it is not a just another park with a few trees. With all its exotic species of trees, the park has become a hub for botany students to do research. According to Mr. Kumar, “the park will make people more conscious towards nature and make them aware of the need to preserve it.”
