First of its kind ‘Oxygen Bird Park’ inaugurated by Nitin Gadkari on Nagpur-Hyderabad National Highway | Video
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurates the Oxygen Bird Park in Nagpur, showcasing a blend of natural beauty and eco-friendly development along NH-44
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated the Oxygen Bird Park, also known as Amrit Mahotsav Park, on September 28, 2024, along the Nagpur-Hyderabad National Highway (NH-44) in Nagpur, Maharashtra. This pioneering project, developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), spans over 8.23 hectares and serves as both a sanctuary for birds and a recreational space for locals and tourists.
A Vision for Sustainability and Conservation
Situated near Jamtha, close to the Jamtha International Cricket Stadium, the Oxygen Bird Park represents a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation. With 2.5 hectares dedicated to social forestry, the park focuses on planting fast-growing, oxygen-producing trees to help reduce air pollution and improve the local environment.
The project, formally approved in March 2023 with an investment of ₹14.31 crores, was envisioned as a natural bird habitat integrated with recreational amenities. Nitin Gadkari, whose constituency is Nagpur, played a crucial role in bringing this project to life, emphasizing the importance of green spaces that combine ecological value with public utility.
A Haven for Birdlife
Central India’s rich biodiversity is reflected in the park’s carefully selected tree species. Rare and endangered trees like the Indian Bael, Gum Karaya, and the endangered Yellow Flame of the Forest offer shelter and food for birds. Fruit-bearing plants, including jamun, mango, and guava, provide food sources for various species, ensuring a thriving bird population.
Designed to replicate natural ecosystems, the park serves as a sanctuary for both local and migratory birds. Features such as reed beds and a natural pond create habitats for water birds, including migratory ducks and reed warblers, while the surrounding vegetation offers ideal nesting grounds.
Sustainable Infrastructure for the Future
In addition to serving as a bird sanctuary, the Oxygen Bird Park embodies a broader commitment to sustainability. With 30 water-recharge pits spread throughout the park, it actively helps replenish the groundwater table. The pond, filled with water lilies and lotus flowers, further enhances the park’s biodiversity, providing key water sources for both birds and other wildlife.
One unique feature of the park is the bambusetum, which consists of native Indian bamboo species. This area not only reduces dust and noise pollution from the adjacent highway but also plays a vital role in absorbing vehicular emissions, contributing to cleaner air.
📍जामठा क्लोवर लीफ, जामठा, नागपुर
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) September 28, 2024
राष्ट्रीय राजमार्ग-44 के नागपुर-हैदराबाद सेक्शन पर नागपुर के जामठा क्लोवर लीफ में 14 करोड़ रुपए के निवेश से निर्मित ऑक्सीजन बर्ड पार्क (अमृत महोत्सव पार्क) 🏞🦜लोकार्पण कार्यक्रम।#OxygenBirdPark#ऑक्सीजन_बर्ड_पार्क pic.twitter.com/jHwacjCWrt
A Recreational Space for the Community
Beyond its ecological role, the Oxygen Bird Park serves as a serene recreational space for locals and tourists. The park offers a variety of amenities, including walking paths, jogging and cycling tracks, watchtowers for birdwatching, and an amphitheatre for community events. A food court and a children’s play area make it a welcoming space for families.
The park’s visually appealing entrance, with its landscaped gardens and architectural design, adds to the visitor experience, inviting people to connect with nature while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
A Model for Eco-Friendly Development
The inauguration of the Oxygen Bird Park marks a significant step forward in eco-friendly infrastructure development in India. Combining conservation with public utility, the park serves as a model for similar projects along the country’s national highways. Its integration of social forestry, water management, and biodiversity conservation demonstrates how infrastructure can coexist harmoniously with nature.
Nitin Gadkari’s vision for a green, sustainable future is encapsulated in this project, which not only enhances Nagpur’s environmental landscape but also provides a vital green lung for the region. The park offers a sanctuary for birds and a peaceful retreat for nature lovers, making it a landmark achievement in sustainable urban development.
