• Avenue plantation in all layouts and housing colonies of VUDA.

• Hill-afforerestation to create green cover and to check soil erosion at Kailasagiri, Simhachalam hill, Adavivaram, Thotla konda, Bavikonda etc.

• Development of VUDA Park in 52 Acs.

• On sea shore. · Beautification of central divider on NH-5.

• Beautification of Govt. Circuit House in Visakhapatnam.

• Development of VUDA-Kids Pride at old light house premises as a healthy place exclusively for children on sea shore.

• Development of Green Belt zones from Steel Plant Junction to Anakapalle.

• Beautification of traffic islands in Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram.

• Development of Mahatma Gandhi Park in 2 Acs., in Vizianagaram.

• Air port beautification in Visakhapatnam.

• Owning nurseries to develop saplings for plantation in parks, layouts, and housing colonies of VUDA. Presently lakhs of saplings are available at VUDA's nursery. 

Development of check dams:

VUDA has developed a large number of check dams for preservation and promotion of water resources. About 26 check dams have been constructed by VUDA in its VMR limits. Check dams at Madhurawada, Kapuluppada, Vepagunta (Simhapuri Layout) etc., are yielding good results in improving the availability of water.

Similar steps have been initiated on the Hill Top Road also. Here water ponds are developed without disturbing natural existence of flora and fauna. The formation of water ponds has been taken up with the aim of harvesting and preserving rainwater for the purpose of wild life and development of greenery on the hill.

Water Treatment:

VUDA has initiated the Rejuvenation of Pedda Tank at Vizianagaram. The Pedda Tank is the major water body situated in the heart of the town over a sprawling area of 162 Acs. This tank was built by the Rajahs of Vizianagaram way back in 1730, which never dries up and irrigates about 400 Acs., of land in addition to providing drinking water to the entire Vizianagaram Town. Due to topological conditions the entire sullage/ sewage of the town is drained into the Pedda Tank creating environmental hazards. By taking into account, the local conditions and maintenance issues, a bio-friendly treatment project is conceived so as to have less maintenance cost.

Accordingly, VUDA has taken up the project at a cost of Rs.2.10 crores and the work commenced in September 2003. Now the work is nearing almost completion. In addition to water treatment, VUDA has taken up the task of developing the surroundings of the Pedda Tank by greening the area to become a recreational place with appropriate landscaping along the four-lane road passing adjoining the tank.

Master Plan for VMR-2021 and the Environment:

Many programmes have been incorporated in the Master Plan for VMR-2021 to achieve a sustained eco-balance in the VMR. The plans and programmes aim at the development and conservation of eco0system, water resources. For this purpose two separate divisions have been formed under the direct supervision of the Vice Chairman. An officer at the rank of Executive Engineer heads each division and one division is kept with task of preserving lakes, tanks and other existing water resources in the limits of VMR. The other division is assigned the job of initiating and implementing plans for the development of parks and greenery in the limits of VMR.

The development of watersheds, Green Belts, Green Zones, Shelter Zones etc., are given utmost priority in the Master Plan for VMR-2021.

Haritha Visakha:

VUDA has submitted proposals of Haritha Visakha Project to the Government. It aims at eco-conservation, environmental protection of all natural systems, green cover increase all over the VMR, participatory involvement of stakeholders etc. The area covered under this project would be 23,370 hectares with an implementation period of 4 years. The sanction of the project is awaited.

The VUDA, since inception has been yielding remarkable achievements in the development of urban forestry and greenery at all its projects and layouts. Activities on planned and phased manner have been undertaken continuously to preserve and promote a rich eco-balance in its Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region, comprising of 1721 Sq.km. The public participation is encouraged at all levels in its endeavors of environmental development. Lush green vegetation, beautiful landscapes and shade giving tropical trees are seen at all the tourist spots promoted by VUDA.

VUDA, to act as role model in environmental protection, has developed many parks in its VMR limits. The following are some of the amazing and eye-catching green lands of VUDA

Kailasagiri: The picturesque and panoramic hilltop awarded as the best tourist spot by the Govt.of Andhra Pradesh. Kailasagiri Park is developed in an extent of 380 acres of hilltop land. It consists of beautiful lawns in 25 acres and tropical and economic category of trees in large number. The hill slopes are also covered with rich afforestation. VUDA is involving the schools and other organizations in planting saplings on various occasions on the hilltop.

VUDA Park: It is developed on the beachfront in an area of 55 acres. Out of which 37 acres covered with lawns, various species of flower plants, hedge plants and others. This park consists around 2,500 shade-giving trees. It is the prominent recreation center for vizagites and the visitors of Visakhapatnam.

Venlock Library at Vizianagaram: VUDA has renovated and developed the Venlock Library at Vizianagaram with a beautiful Park in 2 acres of land in the name of the Father of the Nation. Because of the healthy and eco-friendly atmosphere, it became the popular and populous center at Vizianagaram.

Vaisakhi Jala Udyanavanam (Dykes Tank): Once garbage-dumping yard transformed into a wonderful park in the heart of the City. 

Hilltop Road: The 12 kms, road atop the hill range connecting the Historical Simhachalam Temple with the National Highway at Hanumnthawaka Junction. VUDA, in association with the SML Devasthanam Trust, has been initiated massive afforestation programmes all along the road including development of attractive flower arches at intervals on either side. Around the water ponds at the catchment areas, viewpoints and lush green locations would be promoted. Participation of philanthropists and general public is also encouraged by allocating "Donor Plots" on the hill side for developing green areas in memory of their family members or affectionate. To make hill slopes also green, flower and ornamental creepers have been planted.

In addition to the above places, VUDA has been initiating programmes for beautification of the Visakha-Bheemili Beach Road to promote eco-friendly surroundings. Tennati Park near Kailasagiri, Kurusura Submarine Museaum, Totlakonda, Bavikonda, and Mini Zoo at VUDA Children World are few other spots developed with rich greenery by VUDA.Simultaneously, VUDA has been playing responsible role in promoting green belts at important places of Visakhapatnam city, Anakapalli, Vizianagaram, Bheemunipatnam and Gajuwaka towns. The greens in front of the Govt.Circuit House, Air Port, central dividers on NH-5, important traffic circles in the city are few among them.

Parameswari Park, Anakapalle: VUDA developed this park to provide a healthy environment to the people of Anakapalle. The park has been provided with beautiful landscaping, lush green lawns and a large number of shade giving trees. 

Greenery at Housing Layouts and Colonies: VUDA has taken up massive avenue plantation at all its layouts and residential colonies including development of Parks involving the local residents associations. Programmes have also been incorporated in all its plans including the VMR Master Plan to encourage and educate the people to play a responsible role in protecting and promoting the eco-balance. Saplings have been supplied to all the allottees of VUDA layouts and housing colonies towards their active participation in green development programmes.

At the latest, VUDA has submitted proposals for the external aid, to take up the GREEN VISAKHA Project for greening the entire VMR by involving the local bodies, NGOs, Institutions, Colony Residents Associations, Women Groups and individuals.

Horticulture is also a part of the VUDA activities towards providing employment opportunities to the skilled and un-skilled. VUDA owns nurseries with plants of all species. Staff working at various parks and nurseries of VUDA is provided proper training in the aspects of maintenance and grafting techniques making them more efficient.

GREEN VISAKHA

PLANTATIONS & LANDSCAPING

(Urban forestry wing, Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority)

VUDA in a continuous endeavour to green the city and its environs, maintain parks on a sustainable basis and enlighten the public about a better environment has successfully conducted the "Flower Show - Parimala" at Kailasa Hill etc., is now playing its part in the protection and improvement of the environment.

The parks maintained and being developed by VUDA are : 

* Kailasahil
* VUDA park
* Vizianagaram Venlock Library
* Tenneti park
* Beach Park
* Vysakhi Jala Udyanavanam
* Parameswari Park, Anakapalle

Under the greening of the city and its environs, the plantation works taken up are : 

During the current year, it is targeted to take up

The works are dovetailed with "Food for Work" programmes and 70% of the expenditure is met from this.

At the present pace all the targeted works will be completed in time.

Based on this over performance, other public sectors have requested VUDA to take up plantations in their premises such as :

* Visakhapatnam Export Processing Zone
* Indian Railways
* Zilla Parishad
* Collector's Office
* Government Polytechnic.
* KGH.