Shimla's grey, concrete walls all set to sport green look

Tribune News Service

Shimla, July 26

The gigantic concrete walls built to widen the narrow Shimla roads will soon sport a green look. The Horticulture Division of the Public Works Department is planting around 5,500 flowering shrubs and creepers on and around these walls so that they are in sync with the overall green surroundings of the city.

“We have already completed 60 per cent of the work. We hope to plant the remaining plants in another 10-15 days,” said Ravi Sharma, Executive Engineer, Horticulture Division, PWD.

Several concrete walls have been built along the Circular Road and other roads in the city under the Shimla Smart City Mission to widen them. While the widening has eased the flow of traffic to a large extent, the concrete walls, however, have marred the green look of the city. “Once these flowers bloom, the concrete walls will merge seamlessly into the green environs of the city. Shrubs and creepers will be visible then and not the concrete walls,” said Sharma.

Fibre walls, hanging pots and brick planters are being used to plant shrubs and creepers on these walls. “We have chosen plants that are suitable to Shimla’s climate. Besides, the plants chosen are not appealing to monkeys. So, they are not likely to damage these plants,” said Sharma.

Considering that the PWD’s Horticulture Division runs on a skeletal staff, maintenance of these plants would be a big concern. “We are roping in schools and private sector banks for the maintenance of the plantation. In fact, the plantation from Kasumpti till Brockhurst has been done by the students of Government School, Kasumpti. The Eco Club of the school will look after the plantation on this stretch. Likewise, we are in talks with several other schools to take care of the plantation close to the institution,” said Sharma. “We are also trying to rope in various corporate banks and the SJVN for maintenance. Moreover, the wives of IAS officers have also shown interest in plantation and its maintenance,” said Sharma.

Apart from decorating the grey and morose concrete walls, the Horticulture Division has constructed a few small parks along the Shoghi-Mehli bypass road. “We have converted many small dumping sites and other unused pieces of land into small parks, where people can sit and enjoy the beautiful surroundings,” said Sharma.

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