The Namo Grand Central Park, the most magnificent and extravagant urban park was inaugurated by Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde on February 8 and is now open to the public.
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This park is located in Thane, Mumbai along the banks of Waldhuni river and is Maharashtra’s first central park. It is described as one of the largest parks in India. Encompassing an area of about 20 acres, with more than 3500 trees, this park presents a breathtaking view.
This park has been constructed under the Smart Kalyan Dombivli Development Corporation Ltd(SKDCL) as part of the Smart City Mission.
Goals behind building this park
This park has been built with the intention to attract various species of birds. Innumerable plantations are encouraged. The minister said that there are further plans to develop and extend this park. Replicas of the seven wonders of the world as well as snow parks are likely to be established. The park is said to generate around 8.8 lakh pounds of oxygen annually.
Features Of this Urban park
It is the state’s biggest park in Yogi Dham, and is said to be worth Rs 69.7 crore. It is home to over 1200 diverse species of trees. With a diverse range of amenities this park serves as a haven for individuals and the outside world to find solace in nature’s tranquillity.
The Namo Grand Central Park is a theme-based park. It houses four theme-based gardens inspired by Moroccan, Chinese, Japanese, and Mughal designs. It features a fitness area, along with separate jogging and cycling tracks and a play zone for the kids. Besides this a large Amphitheatre has been created that can accommodate up to 400 people. An X-bridge, has been instituted and also a 31000 square foot skating park has also been built. There’s an artificial lake inside, spread across 3 acres and a cafeteria. It has been replicated after the famous and historic Grade I listed park, the Hyde park in London. The park can host up to 5000 visitors.
Smart City Mission
The National Smart City Mission, spearheaded by the Government of India aims to upgrade urban areas nationwide, by making them sustainable and citizen friendly. The program is taken into account by the Union Ministry Of Urban development and is responsible for executing this program effectively by cooperating with the state governments. The mission was launched on 25 June 2015, by Mr. Narendra Modi.
The primary goal is to foster cities with better infrastructure and sustainable environment by applying smart solutions so that it enriches the lives of the citizens. Key components of this mission include, efficient transport system, strong digitalization, health and education for all especially women and children, planning unplanned areas to use the land in a better way etc.
More Details
The park will remain open for the visitors everyday except on Mondays from 6am to 11am in the morning and again from 4 pm to 9pm in the evening. Entry fee per adult is Rs20 while for the senior citizens it is Rs 15. No entry fee will be required for children.
Pralhad Rode, chief executive officer of SKDCL, said, “The park aims to provide residents with a unique and aesthetically pleasing experience”. During it’s inaugural week, The park saw a remarkable ticket sale the count is said to be over 17505 signaling an enthusiastic reception from the public. It was informed by Mitali Sancheta, deputy municipal commissioner in charge of the gardens department.
