Nagpur – Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated the Oxygen Bird Park, also known as Amrit Mahotsav Park, today in Nagpur. Speaking at the event, Gadkari emphasized that the park would play a crucial role in educating citizens about the importance of ecosystems and environmental conservation.
Located along the Nagpur-Hyderabad National Highway 44, near Jamtha on Wardha Road, the park is a joint initiative by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Gadkari praised the efforts made to balance road development with environmental protection. He highlighted that the park absorbs carbon dioxide and produces oxygen, with its lake currently hosting ducks and other birds. He noted that the park, which also features fruit trees, would likely attract migratory birds in the future.
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Monday 27 Jan. 2025
At the inauguration ceremony, Anurag Jain, Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, and Santosh Kumar Yadav, Chairman of NHAI, along with MP from Ramtek, Shyamkumar Barve, were also present.
Gadkari detailed other NHAI environmental initiatives, including eco-friendly bamboo crash barriers along the Vani-Warora Road, use of glass fiber instead of steel in flyover construction, and repurposing municipal waste and soil from lake deepening projects for road construction. He also mentioned water conservation efforts, such as the creation of lakes in Akola, Buldhana, and Washim districts through similar soil repurposing initiatives.
Gadkari also planted a banyan sapling as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ tree-planting campaign, encouraging citizens to participate. He further shared that under the Green Highway Policy, NHAI has planted around 40 million trees since 2015, successfully transplanting approximately 700,000 trees that had obstructed highway projects.
The Oxygen Bird Park stands as a model of sustainability. Gadkari urged NHAI to use carbon credits for similar projects and suggested the creation of a nursery to support the park and future tree-planting efforts along highways.
Anurag Jain noted that around 100,000 saplings had been planted under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign since September 17. He emphasized that eco-friendly roads are being prioritized, using municipal waste and other environmentally friendly materials.
MP Shyam Kumar Barve remarked that NHAI is also focusing on building four- and six-lane roads that connect to tourist destinations, further promoting regional development.
Before the main event, Gadkari inaugurated the park’s food court and toured the facilities with officials. Architect Habib Khan, responsible for the park’s design, and the contractors were honored at the ceremony, with Nagpur NHAI Regional Officer R.P. Singh delivering the vote of thanks. Several local legislators and citizens also attended the event.
About the Oxygen Bird Park:
The Oxygen Bird Park, or Amrit Mahotsav Park, is an eco-friendly initiative spearheaded by NHAI. It spans 8.23 hectares, with 2.5 hectares reserved for social forestry. The park aims to offer a natural habitat for birds and serve as a serene retreat for locals and tourists. Approved in March 2023, the park was developed with a budget of ₹143.1 million. It features oxygen-generating trees, 30 water recharge pits for conservation, and a food court, showcasing the blend of environmental sustainability and recreational facilities.
