Khariar Gets a Green Landmark: ‘Nagar Van’ Inaugurated to Boost Urban Ecology and Eco-Tourism

Khariar, July 13: Residents of Khariar in Nuapada district have received a significant green gift with the inauguration of the newly developed Nagar Van (Urban Forest) by the Forest Department. Designed to enhance the town’s natural beauty, promote environmental conservation, and provide citizens with a clean and refreshing recreational space, the project is expected to emerge as a major ecological and tourism attraction in the region. The Urban Forest was formally inaugurated during a special ceremony by Kalahandi Member of Parliament Malvika Devi and Khariar MLA Adhiraj Mohan Panigrahi. Khariar Municipality Chairperson Ujjwal Gupta and several senior Forest Department officials attended the programme as distinguished guests. Among the officials present were Bhawanipatna PF Santosh Joshi, Khariar DFO Ajit Khan, Prasannajit Nayak, Sitaram Sir, Sudam Kumar, and Parmananda Tandi, who supervised and coordinated the successful organisation of the event. According to the Forest Department, the Nagar Van will remain open to visitors daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Entry has been made affordable for everyone, with tickets priced at ₹5 for children aged 4 to 12 years and ₹10 for visitors above 12 years of age. The inauguration witnessed the participation of hundreds of local residents, including women, youth, children, and senior citizens, who explored the lush green surroundings and appreciated the serene atmosphere of the newly developed urban forest. Speaking on the occasion, the guests described the Nagar Van as much more than a recreational park. They said it would serve as an important centre for environmental awareness, healthy living, and nature conservation while providing a peaceful retreat for families, morning walkers, tourists, and nature lovers. They expressed confidence that the initiative would strengthen Khariar’s green infrastructure and become one of the district’s most attractive public spaces in the years to come.