Away from the hustle bustle of Nagpur, but still very close to the city, Maha Metro Nagpur has developed forest on a 24 hectare piece of land, near Ambazari and off Hingna Road. Aptly called `Little Wood’, it is home to not just a range of trees, but also a variety of bird species.
Located behind the catchment area of Ambazari Lake, it can be reached from Vasudeo Nagar, MIDC Hingna Road and Forest gate number 3. Little Wood is a creation of Maha Metro – perfectly planned and executed venture. As many as 5,500 trees have been planted here – preserving both the natural beauty and the existing plants.
Little Wood was set up and dedicated to people on July 1, 2016. Though it has been set up on 30 hectare or 75 acre of land, as much as 24 hectare has been devoted to plantation. As part of its continued efforts to conserve environment, Maha Metro acquired additional 130 acre land at Kamla Nagar, off Amravati Road, in the catchment area of Ambazari Lake.
About 6,000 trees have been planted here as part of the ambitious programme. Located near Little Wood, this new venture has been rightly named a `Little Wood Extension’. Thus, a total of 11,500 trees have been planted at these two locations. Medicinal, ornamental, fruits and flowers’ plants could be seen at these two locations.
The two projects have a range of flowering trees like gulmohar, amal tas, tab roses, mahagani. A visit here is a treat for bird watchers – as many as 31 different breeds of could be spotted there. Fruit trees like mango, guava, jack fruit, singapore cherry, berry have also been planted. Other trees include pipal, neem, peltoform, akash neem to name a few.
A species of birds which could be seen here include Great Cormorant, Open Billed Stork, Spotted Owlet, Green Parrots, Large Egrets, Lesser Whistling Duck, The Indian Courser and many more. In fact, one may also get to see peacock dancing in all its glory. Apart from these range of birds, small mammals like wild boar and rabbits could also be spotted.
Little Wood, is not just a piece of land with thousands of trees, it is an ambitious environment protection project, which will not just conserve but enhance green cover. While making sincere efforts to conserve nature by way of plantations, Maha Metro has also made proper arrangements for people residing in vicinity.
A jogging track has been prepared inside Little Wood and every morning and evening hundreds of people from all walks of life and of different age-groups visit the area for regular workouts or just recreation. Maha Metro has also provided benches and sitting platform for these fitness freaks, who choose to relax and chat after rigorous workout sessions there.
From a degenerated forest some years back, to a piece of land with green cover to the optimum, Little Wood has seen the mega transformation. The people of Nagpur, especially those living off Hingna Road, have benefitted immensely from this Metro-made forest. But for Maha Metro it has always been part of its developmental agenda.
