Massive tree-planting for man-made forest

By the middle of next year, the man-made forest in Umm Slal Ali, located in the surroundings of Doha North Sewage Treatment Works (DNSTW) plant, will have some 95,000 trees in an area spread over nearly 12sq km.

Already 40,000 trees have been planted in the forest, said to be the largest in the Gulf region.

Ashghal Drainage Project Management manager Khalid al-Khayarin and assistant manager (operations and maintenance) Khalid al-Obaidly said numerous trees, including those imported from around the world and suitable for the local desert conditions, will be planted in the project.

Reeds and shrubs are being cultivated besides the artificial lake which is complete.

For the first time in the country, extensive landscaping is being implemented in the surroundings of the treatment plant and it is likely to enhance vegetation in the area, said Ashghal officials.

Once the planting process within the landscaped area is completed, the desert surrounding the plant will be transformed into a man-made forest.

The officials also said that trees which do not consume water in large quantities were chosen.

An array of flowering trees were planted to line the entrance roads to the treatment plant.

Once the construction of the permanent roads to the plant and vegetation areas reach the required size, the authorities would consider the possibility to open the landscaped area for the visitors.

Superior quality treated water is pumped into the artificial lake that has been created as part of the beautification and landscaping around the plant.

The treatment plant was completed towards the end of 2015 and has been operating after it underwent all mandatory inspections and testing by authorities last July.

All landscaping and remaining beautification works surrounding the plant will be completed by the second quarter of 2017.

As seen on GulfTimes  Image Credits GulfTimes