“For the first time, planners have a blueprint of natural assets dotting various places in city mapped out with their precise location, along with their length plus breadth. This is basically the satellite imagery,” said Buvaneshwari S, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nagpur Smart and Sustainable City Development Corporation Limited (NSSCDCL). She said the map showcases the natural flora and fauna, among the salient points of the second capital of State. However, short of disclosing the exact figures, the NSSCDCL Head said, “Now we have exact details of rivers that flow through city, the nullah system and other water bodies, in black and white.” NSSCDCL has planned a mega function as part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ where they would unveil the satellite imagery to general public. Buvaneshwari interacted with mediapersons on Wednesday at NSSCDCL in campus of headquarters of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC).

 

Along with unveiling of natural assets map, a pilot project of labeling the trees is also going to be inaugurated on October 3, at Trikoni Garden, Bidipeth. NSSCDCL has planned three-day programme to mark 75th year of Indian independence, starting with its intervention in street-cleaning under Swachh Bharat Mission. Several other events are also organised but two main items that are important from point of view of environment are the natural assets map in digital format plus labelling of trees. About labelling programme, she said that this was a pilot project wherein the aim was to provide information to citizens about the trees in their neighbourhood. Each tree has some characteristics and helping citizens understand those would aid in conservation of city’s environment is our belief,” she stated further. Also known as eco-tagging the work is done at Maharajbagh and now NSSCDCL is taking it up at one of the city’s garden maintained by NMC. Along with the biological name, the tree’s native name would be available in the tag attached to the tree. Asked about the natural assets map, Buvaneshwari stated that the details of open space available in city, the water streams and several other important factors were processed through the satellite imagery.

 

The information collated and post analysis would be a treasure-trove and help during preparation of Development Plan for city, the exercise is already underway at NMC. Starting with October 1, the venue for mega event would be Sakkardara Lake garden, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari would be chief guest at main function, in which 75 freedom fighters will be felicitated at Suresh Bhat auditorium. Earlier in day, road skating event is organised at Samvidhan Square for 75 minutes and aerial view of tri-colour. NSSCDCL's Company Secretary Bhanupriya Thakur, Project Manager, Environment Division, Dr Praneeta Umredkar, General Manager, Mobility Division, Rajesh Dupfhare, General Manager, E-Governance, Sheel Ghule, Chief Planner Rahul Pande and others were also present during the interaction.