Union Ministry Sanctions 111 Urban Forests in 100 Days
- 23 Sep 2024
On 22nd September, 2024, the Union environment ministry announced the approval of 111 urban forests across six states and one Union Territory within the first 100 days of the new government, exceeding its target.
Key Points
- Ambitious Target Achieved: The ministry had set a goal of sanctioning 100 urban forests in 100 days, which was successfully surpassed with 111 approvals.
- Revised Nagar Van Yojana: Launched in 2020, the Nagar Van Yojana aims to enhance urban greenery, improve quality of life, and foster social cohesion in cities.
- Financial Support Offered: The scheme provides Rs 4 lakh per hectare to support the creation and maintenance of urban forests, encouraging community involvement.
- Forest Size Specifications: Urban forests vary in size from 10 to 50 hectares, with a requirement that at least two-thirds of the area must be tree-covered.
- Biodiversity and Conservation Elements: Each urban forest will feature biodiversity parks, Smriti Vans, butterfly conservatories, herbal gardens, and Matri Vans as part of the Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam campaign.
- Long-term Goals: The Nagar Van Yojana aims to develop 1,000 urban forests by 2027, supported by the National Fund from the National Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority.
- Environmental Benefits Highlighted: This initiative will help protect forest land in urban areas from degradation and encroachment while addressing issues like air pollution, urban heat islands, and biodiversity loss.
