Vadodara: The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has announced the development of a new linear park in the Danteshwar area as part of its efforts to expand the city’s green cover. The project is being undertaken under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T).

The initiative was launched on the occasion of World Environment Day with a tree plantation drive attended by a Minister of State, VMC officials and other senior dignitaries. On the same day, an Oxygen Park developed in the Harni area at a cost of nearly Rs 95 lakh was also inaugurated.

The proposed linear park will be developed on around 3,700 square metres of land near APS in Danteshwar. Around 15,500 trees and plants representing 63 species will be planted using the Miyawaki method. The plantation will include a mix of native, fruit-bearing, flowering and medicinal species such as neem, peepal, banyan, mango, guava, pomegranate, chikoo, amla, rayan, bilva and jackfruit.

Under the CSR initiative, L&T and the Catch Foundation will jointly undertake the maintenance and care of the plantation for the next three years. The park will also feature children’s play equipment, an open gym, a fountain, a gazebo, seating arrangements, street lighting, a music system and a walking track of approximately 500 metres. The project is estimated to cost around Rs 60 lakh.

Meanwhile, the Oxygen Park located at TP Scheme No. 1, Final Plot No. 159 in Harni has undergone extensive beautification and infrastructure upgrades. New facilities include gazebos, walkways, children’s play equipment, exercise stations, eco-friendly benches, a wall fountain, landscaped lawns and the plantation of various trees and fragrant flowering plants. A music system, a toilet block and wall art installations have also been added for visitors.

A Miyawaki urban forest has also been developed within the Oxygen Park, comprising around 11,500 trees of 21 different species. The park additionally features a jogging track of approximately 400 metres.

Spread across 5,946 square metres, the Oxygen Park redevelopment project has been completed at a cost of about Rs 94.90 lakh, officials said. DeshGujarat