Nagar Van Yojana
Context: India’s urban forests are increasingly under threat due to unchecked urbanisation and infrastructure projects. The recent felling of trees in Kancha Gachibowli, Hyderabad, and similar incidents in Bhopal, Mumbai, and Delhi, have stirred nationwide concern, with judicial interventions by the Supreme Court and various High Courts. Against this backdrop, the Nagar Van Yojana, launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), has gained renewed relevance.
Important Pointers:
Nagar Van Scheme: Launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to develop urban forests in Indian cities.
Purpose: To increase green cover, improve air quality, and conserve biodiversity within urban areas.
Urban Forest Threats: Urban forests face threats from rapid urbanisation and infrastructure projects causing tree felling in cities like Hyderabad, Bhopal, Mumbai, and Delhi.
Judicial Interventions: The Supreme Court and various High Courts have intervened to prevent unchecked destruction of urban forests.
Implementation Focus: The scheme focuses on the afforestation of unused government lands and creating green lungs inside cities to combat pollution.
Significance: Nagar Van helps mitigate the urban heat island effect, enhances ecological balance, and promotes citizen well-being.