Chandigarh: The environment standing committee of the UT administrator’s advisory council Thursday visited the reclaimed Dadumajra dumping ground to review plantation, environmental restoration and maintenance works being carried out by the municipal corporation (MC).Led by chairman Gian Chand Gupta, the committee assessed the progress of afforestation and ecological restoration efforts at the site. Municipal commissioner Amit Kumar briefed members on the transformation of the former dumpsite, detailing the plantation drive, survival rate of saplings, irrigation systems, monitoring mechanisms and maintenance schedule.He said regular inspections and scientific maintenance practices were being adopted to ensure healthy growth of plants and strengthen the green cover at the reclaimed landfill.Chief conservator of forests Saurabh Kumar outlined the afforestation strategy, including the selection of indigenous tree species and plans to develop the area into a sustainable urban green space. He stressed the need for continuous monitoring and scientific management to support biodiversity and improve the local environment.Committee members inspected plantation zones, reviewed the condition of saplings and assessed maintenance arrangements. Appreciating the efforts of the MC and the forest department, they emphasised sustained upkeep to ensure the long-term success of the plantation initiative.The commissioner assured the panel that the MC would continue regular watering, gap-filling plantation and monitoring of saplings as part of the city’s environmental conservation efforts.Dadumajra CBG plant site under reviewMunicipal commissioner Amit Kumar also chaired a review meeting on the proposed segregated organic municipal solid waste-based compressed biogas (CBG) plant at Dadumajra. Officials of the MC and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) attended the meeting.Discussions focused on technical challenges arising from soil investigation findings, prompting consideration of an alternate location within the dumping ground. The commissioner directed IOCL to complete soil studies at the proposed site and submit its report at the earliest.The meeting also reviewed the status of viability gap funding and coordination with the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs. IOCL was asked to submit a detailed proposal for a retail outlet within the project area. Amit Kumar emphasised timely implementation of the project.Pic caption:Members of the environment standing committee inspect plantation and restoration work at the reclaimed Dadumajra dump site during a field visit on Thursday
