Baripada, Oct. 2: Forest department today threw open a green zone for joggers at Palabani on the outskirts. The Baripada forest division has developed the urban forest.

The forest, spread over 10 acres, has different varieties of trees such as fruit-bearing and medicinal plants. There are about 12,000 trees, including sal, mahogany, akasi and neem, said the Baripada divisional forest officer, Sanjay Swain.

The forest was formally inaugurated by regional chief conservator of forests and Similipal Tiger Reserve field director H.K. Bisht.

Bisht said: "The development of a forest in an urban area is encouraging. The trees will help contain pollution in the area."

"The residents can come here for a walk and enjoy the natural environment," he said.

Earlier, the Hamilton Trust controlled the area, but handed it over to the forest department as it failed to properly utilise the patch of land.

The Baripada forest division undertook the plantation project in 2013. Now, with almost all the trees growing to around 15ft high, the department has thrown open the area to morning walkers and joggers. It also plans employ security personnel to look after the forest.

"The trees have been planted in a manner to allow room for joggers. People will be allowed entry in the morning. Subsequently, we may allow them inside in the evenings as well," Swain said.

"This a one-of-a-kind forest in the state. The Baripada forest division will look after the care and maintenance part," he said.