Hero MotoCorp Takes Over Maintenance Of Aravali Biodiversity Park For 10 Years

The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) has officially handed over the maintenance of Aravalli Biodiversity Park to Hero MotoCorp. The civic body in April 2021 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the two-wheeler manufacturer for the restoration and conservation of the park till 2031. According to a report from TOI, the officials said that the handover got delayed to the second wave of COVID-19. The ecological park is spread over 380 acres. It has semi-arid vegetation with around 300 native plants, over 1 lakh trees and, more than 180 birds species.

As a part of the agreement, the two-wheeler manufacturer will take up maintenance and restoration work at the park for the next 10 years. The company will also spend Rs. 1.25 crore annually on maintenance under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. A Gurgaon-based NGO had previously handled all the maintenance work at the Aravalli Biodiversity Park from 2014 till December 2020.

Aravali Biodiversity Park is spread over 400 acres. It also has a 3.5 km walkway and 4 km-long cycle track.
Photo Credit: Facebook

Subhash Yadav, nodal officer for the environment and sustainability wing of MCG, said to TOI, "Since the past week, we had been in talks with Hero MotoCorp for the final handover of maintenance of Aravalli Biodiversity Park. On Thursday, the process was finalised. As the park is already saturated in terms of plantation and the private firm will work on setting up an interpretation centre, creating public conveniences and an office complex, among others."

He further added, "Now, MCG will focus on the security of the Aravalli Biodiversity Park. There are 16 security guards at the park, the salaries of whom will be paid by MCG and we will also repair infrastructure on a one-time basis, including walls or fences that are broken, so that the security of the park is strong."

Speaking to TOI, spokesperson for Hero MotoCorp - Bharatendu Kabi said, "Conservation and sustainable development initiatives are integral to preserving biodiversity, and our adoption of the Aravalli Biodiversity Park in Gurugram is a constructive step in that direction. In partnership with the MCG, we will soon put in place a holistic plan to maintain the park and protect its key habitats and species."

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