Mulayam inaugurates India's biggest urban forest

Lucknow, Aug 15 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav today inaugurated India's biggest urban forest in the state capital.

The forest, spread over 101 acres of land, was inaugurated to mark the 60th anniversary of India's independence.

On this occasion, the CM also announced to set up a 100 bed ultra-modern hospital under the Kanpur Road project.

The forest would have 101 varieties of plants and trees of Indian and foreign origin besides a natural lake spread over 21 acres.

The lake would have boating facility for the visitors and would also house fisheries and natural bird santuary. The government also proposes to construct floating cottages for tourists besides setting up a yoga and meditation centre.

Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the project, the CM said it was necessary to set up forest at a war footing as scarcity of forest land has created disbalance in the environment leading to scanty rainfalls.

He said against the requirement of at least 33 per cent forest coverage, in UP the percentage was below 10 per cent.

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