A tree park in the midst of the concrete jungle that we live in is a sign of hope.
The newly-developed Hennur Tree Park is situated in HBR Layout V Block, around 40 minutes away from the centre of the city. This quiet and lush green park, a five-crore project, is spread over 32 acres of land. The Karnataka Forest department has converted plain land into an urban nature reserve and park in less than two years.
The park shelters thousands of trees and over 40 different species of plants including jamun, sandalwood, rosewood, ficus, mahogany, terminalia, mango and tamarind. There is a separate Ayurvedic garden comprising several medicinal plants and herbs.
Deepika Bajpai, Deputy Conservator of Forests, told Deccan Herald that the park would also feature two water bodies as well as a children’s play area in the days to come. “Almost 70% of the work is done. The work of placing benches as well as providing walkways around and through the park is under progress. The department, which took up the work in 2014, has spent Rs 2.5 crore till now,” she said. “It will be open to the public for a minimal charge which will go towards the maintenance of the park”, she added.
Another official said the park would be further expanded and developed on the lines of Lalbagh Botanical Gardens.
There is a proposal to name the park after Basavalingappa, a local activist, who ensured the park was free from encroachment over all these years.
Bajpai also mentioned the seven acres of land adjoining the park would be developed into a forest and botanical garden with the remaining grants.
