For a second consecutive year, Hyderabad has been recognised as a 'Tree City of the World' by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, while Mumbai also joined the list this year.
“Matter of immense pride that Hyderabad city is recognised for the 2nd consecutive year, among the tree cities of the world by the Arbor Day Foundation and FAO -UN,” tweeted Arvind Kumar, special chief secretary, urban development, government of Telangana.
According to Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), trees reduce costs for energy, storm water management and erosion control, boost property values as much as 7-20 per cent, build stronger ties among community members and increase community pride.
As per the organisation, 3,50,56,635 trees are planted in Hyderabad with 500 volunteer hours.
According to the officials from Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) garden department, Mumbai received recognition for its “commitment to growing and maintaining urban trees and greenery in building healthy, resilient and happy cities”.
Meanwhile, tree activists expressed surprise over Mumbai bagging the ‘Tree City of the World’ tag as it has lost significant green cover in the last few years.
Hyderabad and Mumbai are placed alongside 136 other cities from 21 countries. The United States, the United Kingdom and Canada are the countries with the maximum cities featured on the list, with 37, 19 and 18 cities, respectively.