Chandigarh: Sector 40 Market is set to become Chandigarh’s first fully green market, with the municipal corporation launching a plantation drive aimed at transforming vacant and neglected spaces into landscaped green zones.The initiative, which involves planting around 2,500 saplings, was inaugurated by joint municipal commissioner Balbir Raj Singh and area councillor Gurbaksh Rawat in the presence of residents and market association members.As part of the project, the MC cleared debris from unused patches around the market, prepared the land, developed green beds and planted grass, trees and ornamental plants. Officials said the effort is in line with the Swachh Bharat Mission’s objective of creating cleaner and more sustainable urban spaces.Terming the project an innovative step, joint municipal commissioner Balbir Raj Singh lauded the vision behind converting underutilised areas around market entrances into green pockets. He said such initiatives can significantly improve the city’s environment and public spaces.Superintending engineer (horticulture) Pratipal Singh said the project is being executed without any additional financial burden on the civic body. Plants supplied by the forest department and those raised in MC nurseries are being utilised for the drive. The horticulture wing, led by executive engineer Ashwani Kumar, has overseen the on-ground execution of the project.Councillor Gurbaksh Rawat said residents and traders had long sought a cleaner and greener market environment. She expressed hope that the initiative would enhance the area’s appearance while contributing to the city’s environmental goals.Rawat also appealed to resident welfare associations and market bodies across Chandigarh to join the “Green Market Campaign” and partner with the MC in converting vacant and neglected spaces into green zones.
