Eco Park – New Town, Rajarhat, Kolkata, India
New Town Eco Park is an urban park in New Town, Rajarhat, Kolkata and the biggest park so far in India. The park is situated on a 480 acres (190 ha) plot and is surrounded by a 104 acres (42 ha) waterbody with an island in the middle. The park was conceptualised by Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee in July 2011. West Bengal Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO) is the overarching body coordinating the construction of the park, along with different other government bodies responsible for implementation of different works inside the park.
The park has been divided into three broad parts; 1) ecological zones like wetlands, grasslands, and urban forest, 2) theme gardens and open spaces, 3) and urban recreational spaces. The Eco Park is further divided into different sub-parts according to the different types of fauna planted. The copies of the Seven Wonders of the World have also been made for people to visit in this park. According to the plan, the park will have different areas like wild flower meadows, a bamboo garden, grasslands, tropical tree garden, bonsai garden, tea garden, Cactus Walk, a heliconia garden*, a butterfly garden, a play area and an amphitheatre. Further, there is plan to develop an eco-resort in public-private partnership, and will also include an area where handicrafts from different part of the state will be exhibited. The park was inaugurated on 29 December 2012 by Mamata Banerjee.
Video Source: Eco Park from NeelFinitY on Youtube ⁄ CC BY
