**Executive Summary**
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Maharashtra Forest Department have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a Recreational and Biodiversity Zone at the Jamtha Cloverleaf Interchange on NH-44 in Nagpur. This ₹34 crore project aims to transform approximately 10 hectares into a Bird Park and Aviary Park as part of NHAI’s Oxygen Park initiative. The development is scheduled to take place during the 2026–27 period to promote environmental sustainability and ecological conservation.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Project Overview and Objectives**
* The project focuses on developing Leaf No. 01 of the Jamtha Cloverleaf Interchange into a dedicated biodiversity zone.
* It serves as a model for integrating green infrastructure with highway development.
* The estimated cost for the 10-hectare development is ₹34 crore.
* **Bird Exhibits and Habitat Development**
* The park will feature walk-through aviaries and specialized enclosures for parrots and tropical birds.
* Habitat development will utilize native vegetation and ground-level protection barriers for avian safety.
* The design follows an aviary-based theme with bird-friendly landscaping.
* **Medical and Operational Infrastructure**
* Facilities will include a dedicated bird hospital/clinic, quarantine units for new birds, and specialized nurseries for hatchlings.
* Operational support includes bird feed kitchens, temperature-controlled feed storage, and water treatment/recycling systems for ponds.
* Sustainability features include waste management systems and biodigesters.
* **Visitor Amenities and Education**
* Infrastructure includes an information and education center, ticketing counters, a souvenir shop, and a cafeteria.
* Public utilities such as drinking water, toilets, and well-designed pathways will be provided.
* **Security and Safety Measures**
* The site will be secured with perimeter chain-link fencing and security booths.
* Continuous monitoring will be facilitated through CCTV surveillance systems.
**Impact Analysis**
**NHAI (National Highways Authority of India)**
**Impact**
The project enhances NHAI's environmental credentials by fulfilling its "Oxygen Park" initiative and integrating ecological considerations into road infrastructure.
**Action Required**
Coordinate with the Forest Department to execute the project development and provide necessary funding/oversight during the 2026–27 timeline.
**Maharashtra Forest Department**
**Impact**
The department gains a new biodiversity zone for conservation efforts and is responsible for the technical management of the avian species and habitats.
**Action Required**
Provide technical expertise for habitat development, medical facility management, and the care of avian species as per the signed MoU.
**General Public and Local Community**
**Impact**
The public will receive a new recreational space that offers nature-based experiences, educational opportunities, and awareness regarding biodiversity.
**Action Required**
Can access and utilize the park’s recreational and educational facilities once development is completed in 2027.
Key Entities Referenced
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI): The central authority responsible for the project and co-signatory of the MoU to integrate green infrastructure into highway developments.
Maharashtra Forest Department: The state-level department partnering with NHAI to develop and manage the 10-hectare Recreational and Biodiversity Zone.
Oxygen Park initiative: An NHAI program aimed at integrating ecological conservation with infrastructure, under which the Bird Park and Aviary Park project is established.
Jamtha Cloverleaf Interchange, Nagpur: The specific location on NH-44 where the approximately 10-hectare biodiversity zone and bird park will be developed.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
NHAI and Maharashtra Forest Department sign
MoU for development of Recreational and
Biodiversity Zone at Jamtha Cloverleaf
Interchange, Nagpur
Approximately 10 hectares to be developed into a Bird Park
and Aviary Park by 2026–27
Posted On: 26 MAR 2026 11:30AM by PIB Mumbai
PIB Nagpur
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Forest Department of the
Government of Maharashtra have taken a significant step towards promoting
environmental sustainability and green infrastructure development by signing a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of Leaf No. 01 of the
Jamtha Cloverleaf Interchange on NH-44 in Nagpur as a Recreational and
Biodiversity Zone.
The MoU was signed recently by Shri Rakesh Prakash Singh, CGM (Tech) and
Regional Officer, NHAI, and Shri. M.Srinivasa Rao Principal Chief Conservator of
Forests (Head of Forests Force ) Maharashtra State Nagpur.As per NHAI, approximately 10 hectares of land will be developed during 2026–27
into a Bird Park and Aviary Park, aimed at creating a Recreational and Biodiversity
Zone that enhances ecological value and provides a unique nature-based experience
for visitors.The project forms an important component of NHAI’s Oxygen Park
initiative and reflects a forward-looking approach towards integrating infrastructure
development with ecological conservation. The estimated cost of the project is ₹34
crore.
The park will be developed on an aviary-based theme, incorporating bird-friendly
landscaping, environmentally sensitive infrastructure, and features aimed at
promoting biodiversity conservation.Key components of the project include:
Bird Exhibits:
Walk-through aviaries, specialized enclosures for parrots and tropical birds, ground-
level bird protection barriers, and habitat development using native vegetation.
Medical and Quarantine
Facilities:
A dedicated bird hospital/clinic, quarantine units for newly introduced birds, and
specialized nurseries for the care of hatchlings.
Operational Infrastructure:
Kitchen facilities for bird feed, temperature-controlled feed storage, water treatment
and recycling systems for bird ponds, and waste management systems including
biodigesters.
Visitor Amenities:
An information and education centre, ticketing counters, a souvenir shop, cafeteria
(temporary/semi-permanent), public amenities such as toilets and drinking water
facilities, along with well-designed pathways and hardscaping.
Security Arrangements:
Perimeter chain-link fencing, security booths, and CCTV surveillance systems.
This initiative represents a major stride in environmental conservation, biodiversity
enhancement, and sustainable development. It is expected to serve as a model for
integrating ecological considerations into infrastructure projects, while also creating
awareness and recreational opportunities for the public.
***
Saurabh Khekde / DineshYadav
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