Gujarat transforms barren municipal parks into Green Urban Retreats

Barren and underused municipal parks across Gujarat are being transformed into vibrant green urban retreats under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0 (AMRUT 2.0), as the state steps up efforts to improve urban air quality, expand green cover and enhance the quality of life in cities.Launched on October 1, 2021, AMRUT 2.0 aims to make Indian cities water-secure and self-reliant by rejuvenating water resources, reducing non-revenue water and promoting the reuse of treated wastewater. Alongside these objectives, the mission places strong emphasis on the development of well-maintained parks, gardens and open spaces as essential components of sustainable urban living.
In Gujarat, this focus is reflected in the large-scale redevelopment of municipal gardens and the creation of new green spaces across urban local bodies. Under AMRUT 2.0, a total of 131 urban gardens are being developed at a cost of ₹117.56 crore. Work has been completed on 70 gardens, while development of the remaining 61 gardens is currently underway.One prominent example is the rejuvenation of Bhavani Garden in Lathi Municipality, which had gradually become barren and unused over the years. Redeveloped at a cost of ₹1.26 crore, the garden has been transformed into a thoughtfully designed green space that now serves as a hub for leisure and community activities. Spread over 10,936.35 square metres, the garden retains its existing trees while incorporating indigenous plant species along walkways and open areas to support local biodiversity and birdlife.
The renewed Bhavani Garden features an open lawn, a children’s play area, an open gym, and designated spaces for yoga and learning. A white horse fountain sculpture at the centre has become a visual highlight, adding to the garden’s aesthetic appeal. The project aims not only to beautify the area but also to restore ecological balance and encourage healthier lifestyles among residents.Another key project is the redevelopment of Kailash Vatika in Palanpur Municipality, completed at a cost of ₹2.25 crore over an area of 10,000 square metres. The upgraded garden offers a range of public amenities, including a modern children’s play area, facilities designed for persons with disabilities, gazebos and seating areas. These additions have turned Kailash Vatika into an inclusive and welcoming recreational space for citizens of all age groups.
Across Gujarat, similar initiatives are reshaping municipal landscapes. Nearly 70 gardens have already been opened to the public, while construction and landscaping work continues at several other locations. The emphasis on native plant species helps reduce water consumption and long-term maintenance needs, while also supporting local ecosystems.By transforming neglected parks into accessible green spaces, AMRUT 2.0 is contributing to improved air quality, enhanced urban resilience and stronger community engagement. The initiative is steadily redefining urban living in Gujarat, aligning infrastructure development with environmental sustainability and overall well-being.

(State Correspondent)