Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Thursday inaugurated a 25-acre park in Thane district of Maharashtra and named the facility `Namo Grand Central Park` and said it was a tribute to Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s visionary leadership, reported the PTI.

The park has more than 3,500 trees that will generate 8.84 lakh pounds of oxygen annually, officials said.

It has been envisioned on the lines of the iconic Grand Central Park in New York and London`s Hyde Park, officials said, as per the PTI.

It has theme gardens, fitness zones and recreational spaces and is a testament to the city`s commitment to “green urbanism and community wellbeing”, an official claimed.

“The park has 3,500 trees and will generate 8.84 lakh pounds of oxygen annually. A standout feature is the 31000 square foot skate park, which is India`s largest.

There are also plans to build an extension of the park on a 4.5 acre plot to further enhance visitor experience,” he said, the news agency reported.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Eknath Shinde said the city has got an “oxygen park” and directed officials to ensure its cleanliness is maintained at all times.

He also asked Thane municipal commissioner Abhijit Bangar to develop a snow park so that “residents get a taste of Kashmir and Switzerland”.

CM Shinde asked officials to create a miniature park showcasing the wonders of the world.

According to the PTI, the chief minister inaugurated the DLB Degree College in the city in the presence of state education minister Deepak Kesarkar and commended Devram Bhoir of the Vidya Prasarak Sanstha, which has built the institution, for his contribution to education since 1972.

The chief minister later inaugurated the Thane taluka sports complex in Kopri and said its state-of-the-art facilities will allow athletes to take part in state, national and international events.

The complex has facilities for weightlifting, gymnastics, taekwondo, kickboxing, judo etc.

Expressing concern over the declining interest in outdoor activities among today`s youth, Shinde urged parents and authorities to actively promote participation in sports.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with search engine giant Google to utilize Artificial Intelligence for solutions in sectors like agriculture, healthcare and education, the PTI reported.

(with PTI inputs)

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