With the ambition of making Qatar greener, the Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads & Public Places in Qatar under Ashghal has launched the first phase of a nation-wide campaign that will see the country’s green areas increase 240 percent by 2022.

Almost 2,650 kilometers of paths for pedestrians and cyclists and 10 million square meters of green spaces will be added during this period. 

“An increase in urban growth, which is followed by continuous growth in the number of cars as a means of transportation and access to daily destinations, has increased the need for developing sustainable and environment-friendly services that will improve public lifestyle," Ashghal said in a statement.

As part of the launch, Ashghal initiated the ‘Qatar Beautification and Our Kids Planting Trees’ campaign yesterday to raise awareness about protecting the environment among children and to encourage them to plant trees.

The launch coincided with the opening of the 5,800-square meter Al Abraj Park in West Bay (Onaiza).

The design of Al Abraj Park came in the form of a dewdrop and streamlined details, with a distinctive design at the center of the park to include the central seating area where the rest of the park components are surrounding it such as the pedestrian and cycle paths, according to Ashghal. 

On the occasion, representatives of the Committee highlighted its five main roles, which include:

- Creating dedicated paths for pedestrians and cyclists along roads and in public places, as well as providing shaded rest areas, public services, and directional signs to render these paths more lively and attractive.

- Building public parks that are suitable for families and visitors, including open spaces for various uses, areas dedicated to kids, paths for pedestrians, cyclists and joggers, outdoor sports areas and special spaces for parking, buses and public services.

- Development of the Doha Corniche, adding cycling paths and implementing pedestrian and cyclist underpasses and crossings.

- Development of the Central Doha Area, aiming to create a healthy and cultural environment that promotes walkability by connecting all vital areas and providing pedestrian-friendly means of transport such as pedestrian crossings and paths.

- Development of the area also includes planting trees and landscaping for the main and local roads to enhance the aesthetic value of residential areas and important locations.

This will include providing a facelift to building facades, upgrading some of the infrastructural networks and provision of parking facilities, including street furniture such as benches, kiosks, displays, and artworks.

- Planting trees and increasing green areas to complement the green cover provided by other Ashghal projects such as expressways and local roads.

The committee’s role also includes supervising the beautification of some major bridges and bypasses such as the bridges on Sabah Al Ahmad Corridor, pedestrian bridges on the A-Ring and B-Ring roads, as well as the implementation of elevated cycle bridges.

The committee is also tasked with the development of some public beaches in different places across Qatar.

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Cover, Inline Image Credit: Twitter/ Ashghal

Source: Gulf Times