Majority of green belts underdeveloped: GMDA reply to RTI

Gurugram's green belts are largely underdeveloped, with only 38% completed, according to RTI data. Residents urge for better maintenance and afforestation efforts.

Gurugram: A large portion of green belts along Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority(GMDA) roads in sector 81 to 115 are either underdeveloped or partially developed,according to a data obtained through an RTI.

The data showed that of a total 712,364 sqm of designated green belt land, only around 38 per cent has been fully developed (HT)

The data showed that of a total 712,364 square metres (sqm) of designated green belt land, only around 38 per cent has been fully developed and the remaining 62 per cent is either incomplete or not developed.

The information was shared by the GMDA in response to an RTI filed in February this year by a Sector 92 resident seeking details about maintenance of green belts and plantation in the last five years.

Of the total area, around 24 per cent is directly maintained by GMDA. Of this, around 25 percent of green belts (43,051 sqm) are fully developed, while 52 per cent is partially developed and nearly 23 per cent of land has not been developed, the data shows.

The authority has designated 540,159 sqm of land to corporates(major developers and other companies) for maintenance and development. Of this, 43 per cent of land is fully developed, 50 per cent remains undeveloped and around 8 per cent is only partially developed.

Parveen Malik, president of the United Association of New Gurugram, who filed the RTI, said, “Gurugram witnesses severe pollution throughout the year which calls for significant afforestation and development of green belts. However, green belts are poorly developed, face illegal encroachment and have become dumping sites.”

Malik added that the residents had asked the authority to carry out plantation drives before monsoons for better survival of saplings, but little action was taken.

A senior GMDA official said efforts are underway to improve green cover, particularly along the Dwarka expressway. “Tenders have been floated for two projects, with more in the pipeline. A detailed survey has also been carried out. We are working in close coordination with corporates to develop green belts under CSR,” the official added.