Integrated Cargo Terminal Pvt. Ltd. (ICTPL) has joined hands with Andhra University (AU) and Visakhapatnam Port Authority (VPA) to develop a dense urban forest on the North Campus of AU, marking a significant step toward enhancing green cover in the city.
Around three acres of university land near the International Students’ Hostel D Block have been earmarked for the initiative. The VPA will supply saplings under its ‘One Million Plantation Drive’, while ICTPL will undertake groundwork such as excavation, removal of debris and soil enrichment to prepare the site for sustainable planting.
The project will adopt the Miyawaki method pioneered by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, which involves planting a wide variety of native species in close proximity to promote rapid, dense growth and long-term ecological sustainability.
To safeguard the saplings from stray animals and external disturbance, the entire three-acre area has been enclosed with barbed wire fencing.
The initiative was inaugurated on Tuesday in the presence of AU Vice-Chancellor G. P. Rajashekar, ICTPL Deputy Chief Operating Officer Jitin Singh Kampani, and OSL Group Vice-President J. K. Nayak. International students from the nearby hostel also took part by planting saplings.
