Tata Steel, which converted a municipal dump yard on Marine Drive into a sprawling park ideal for hosting picnics, inaugurated its ode to sustainability on Sunday.

Spread over five acres, Dalma View Point is adjacent to the XLRI campus and is testimony to the steel major’s efforts at improving green cover in and around Jamshedpur.

The park was inaugurated by Chanakya Chaudhary, vice president (Corporate Services), Tata Steel, along with R Ravi Prasad, president Tata Workers` Union, amidst a small gathering.

Chaudhary said Dalma View Point was yet another initiative to reiterate Tata Steel`s commitment to sustainability. “The clean and green environment is not only adding to the beauty of the area but is also helping conserve biodiversity and helping in sustainable development,” he said.

Prasad congratulated the corporate services team for transforming the municipal solid waste dump into a lush green picnic area and said that it was a good site to spend time with family and friends amid nature.

Earlier, the site was a solid waste landfill area with limited vegetative growth. It was converted to a green park by layering the dump with soil and plantation of a variety of trees to stabilise the slopes and prevent soil erosion.

The pond at Dalma View Point on Marine Drive in Jamshedpur on Sunday. Picture by Bhola Prasad

Air and water pollution from the contaminated dump site were affecting adjoining areas. Local and migratory birds stopped coming to that area.

Planting of more than 1,000 plants, 28,000 creepers, 5,000 shrubs and 13,000 sq metre of grass have enhanced the green canopy in the area.

The slopes of the dump have been stabilised by planting Wadelia Trilobata, a species known for its extensive root system. These species help in attracting various species of butterflies, mainly Zizeeria karandra and Eurema hecabe.

A pond has been developed inside the picnic area to make use of the run-off water and also enhance aesthetics. The pond is equipped with a fountain to maintain the dissolved oxygen level and improve the quality of water.

The area has a number of flowering and fruit bearing trees that not only enrich the aesthetics, but also help in attracting birds. The mound top, after beatification, is now a viewing point for the Subernarekha river and scenic Dalma hills.

"The Dalma View Point will fulfil a long-felt demand of citizens who want more such spaces in Jamshedpur for family outings and gatherings," said a company spokesperson.