To curb pollution, Maharashtra government's urban development department has asked local urban bodies to develop and maintain a minimum 15 per cent of their area as a green zone. This will also help to maintain ecological balance.
According to a senior government official, they have asked the urban local bodies to prepare a 'Green Space Development' plan and execute it. "The urban local bodies can appoint a consultant to develop the green zone. The local authority should identify the areas and reserve them as a green zone cover and garden. While developing these, a large number of tree plantations have to be done. The trees should be between two to three years old so that they will successfully survive and grow speedily," said a senior urban development official on the condition of anonymity.
He further added that the authority should not spend more than 20 per cent of its total fund on the civil and engineering work. "Each local body will be allotted a fund of around Rs 50 lakh for the green zone's development. They have to plant the sample of minimum 2500 under this project. The civil work will include erecting the compound wall, water supply facility, compost plant, dustbins, electricity, security, etc. Everything should be eco-friendly," the official added.
The state urban development department has also issued a notification in this regard. "The urban local bodies should also take the help of local industries and corporate firms to avail their Corporate Social Responsibility fund. The natural habitation, food chain and bio-diversity aspects have to be considered while choosing the samplings," said the official.
GOING GREEN
- The urban local bodies can appoint a consultant to develop the green zone
- The local authorities have been asked to identify areas and reserve them as a green zone cover and garden
- Each local body will be allotted a fund of Rs 50 lakh for the green zone’s development
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Green zone")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}