Gurugram to get 150k new saplings under forest department drive

Gurugram to Get 150,000 New Saplings Under Forest Department Initiative

Gurugram to get 150k new saplings - The Forest Department has announced plans to plant approximately 150,000 saplings and enhance the upkeep of existing green spaces across Gurugram. Officials revealed this on Saturday, detailing a ₹40.64 lakh tender launched Friday under the state’s comprehensive maintenance program for vegetation along the Behrampur-to-Sohna route.

Tender Details and Timeline

Bids for the maintenance project, covering a 23-kilometer stretch, are due by June 18. The initiative involves tasks such as localized irrigation, weed removal, and protective measures to sustain the greenery. Contractors must commit to maintaining a 90% survival rate of plants for two years following the assignment of work.

“Contractors will face penalties through loss recovery if plant survival rates fall below 90%, as per government directives. Regular inspections will be conducted to monitor progress,” stated Surender Dangi, divisional forest officer.

Provisions of the Tender

The tender includes 60,000 weeding and hoeing operations to eliminate competing vegetation and boost soil aeration. Additional requirements involve reopening planting pits totaling 724 cubic meters, daily manual watering, deployment of protection personnel, and transporting saplings to challenging terrains.

Officials confirmed that new planting efforts will commence soon. A 2024 evaluation by the department noted that 12.9% of Gurugram’s total land area is currently forested. Dangi hinted at future expansions, suggesting that long-term strategies may focus on boosting tree cover in the Aravalis and dense forest regions through combined government programs.

Scope of the Plantation Drive

The program will distribute 14,000 to 17,000 saplings across multiple locations in the Gurugram Range. While specific sites along the corridor remain undisclosed, officials emphasized the goal of enhancing ecological balance through sustained efforts. The project aims to integrate both immediate and long-term environmental goals, ensuring resilience in urban green spaces.