In a major initiative for environmental conservation, the Jabalpur Municipal Corporation is set to plant 11 lakh saplings across the city this year, with the drive starting in the month of June. Mayor Jagat Bahadur Singh and Municipal Commissioner Ramprakash Ahirwar jointly inspected 20 acre land at Umaria Pipariya, identified as the site for the first phase of a large city forest “Nagar Van”. The forest is envisioned as a health and recreation hub for residents of Sanskardhani. The plantation drive will use the Miyawaki method, a Japanese technique known for enabling rapid, dense growth of vegetation. Within the 20-acre site, natural forests, ponds, walking tracks and fruit-bearing trees will be developed, promoting biodiversity and creating habitat for birds.

 

JMC plans to identify and develop 175 acres of land across various parts of the city within a year, creating oxygen zones to Exposed and loose electrical wiring was noticed at several points, raising the risk of short circuits and fire. Essential fire safety equipment had not been installed. When asked to produce the sanctioned building map, the operator failed to do so. The action was taken under JMC’s ongoing safety drive that has seen several hotels, lodges, coaching institutes and establishments storing flammable goods either sealed or locked in recent days. JMC has made clear that compliance with fire safety, electrical safety, evacuation norms, ventilation standards and building use regulations is mandatory for all commercial establishments, particularly those where public are regularly present. Action will continue against those found flouting the rules.