The state government has taken up the task of enhancing greenery within the city and surrounding areas to increase lung spaces and provide green spreads across urban pockets. As per the plan, The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has taken up some major projects aimed at the conservation of forests, resulting in the development of 16 forest blocs in two years.

As per instructions from chief minister KCR, a total of 16 urban reserve forest blocks have been identified that include eight in Rangareddy district, three each in Yadadri and Medak. The forest conservation activities have cost the civic body Rs 93 crore.

In fact, Amberpet Kalan Urban forest block was inaugurated a few months back by MA & UD minister KT Rama Rao. The green cover has increased to 14,708.24 acres, and over 25 lakh plants have come up in these forests. HMDA has also developed walkways and other recreational facilities in these green pockets, much to the delight of the locals.

Also, as part of the Telanganaku Haritha Haaram project, HMDA has raised saplings and handed them over for plantation along the outskirts of Hyderabad. Plantation drives were also conducted at Osmania University.

In all, there are 109 urban forest parks, including 59 within HMDA and 50 outside HMDA limits, being developed in the state. Of them, 16 parks located in Ranga Reddy, Yadadri, Medak, Medchal, and Sangareddy were handed over for development to HMDA. Meanwhile, the forest department is also contemplating the development of Haritha Vanams in the districts on the lines of development of urban reserve forest blocs. As a part of this initiative, a team of 115 officials will be visiting and studying the proposed locations on December 21 and 23.