Greening Cities: Development and Maintenance of Public Green Belts

Greening in Gurugram, Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai

The Foundation’s Greening Cities Programme focuses on restoring, adopting and maintaining public green belts in partnership with government authorities across cities, including Gurugram, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai. The initiative prioritises long-term ecological sustainability through long-term upgradation and maintenance of public green belts.

The Programme addresses critical environmental issues, including air pollution, the heat island effect, and groundwater depletion. The initiative emphasises planting native and climate-appropriate species that support local biodiversity, require less water, and demonstrate greater resilience to extreme climatic conditions.

In Gurugram, over the years, the Foundation has adopted nine large green belts spread over 6,01,430 square metres, planting of 15,613 trees and 19,52,587 shrubs in partnership with the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA). During the FY 25-26, 3,820 trees and 24,6250 shrubs were planted across these public green belts.

In Delhi in FY 2025-26, besides other areas where work is ongoing, the Foundation has undertaken the restoration of green belts along Nelson Mandela Marg in Vasant Kunj, covering over ~7,200 square metres, in collaboration with the government.

In Hyderabad in FY 2025-26, in partnership with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), the Foundation continues to maintain public green belts along the stretch from IIT Junction to Radisson Hotel up to Jayabheri Enclave spread across ~3,200 square metres.

In Chennai, approximately 17,215 sq meters of green area in Manapakkam is being developed, strengthening the city's urban ecological space.

The use of recycled water, integration of rainwater harvesting pits, and efficient waste management practices are part of the regular maintenance in these public green belts. In FY 2025-26, public green belts spanning nearly 6,29,045 square metres with 3,936 trees and 2,69,210 shrubs were maintained.