The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued a notification on August 5th 2024, introducing the Nagar Van Yojana, a scheme aimed at developing and strengthening green belts in cities across India. This initiative is part of a broader effort to create cleaner, greener, and more sustainable urban environments.
Nagar Van Yojana
The Nagar Van Yojana is designed to foster the creation of 1,000 Nagar Van (urban forests) or Nagar Vatika (urban gardens) in cities that are governed by Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, Municipalities, or Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). This scheme aims to improve the quality of life for urban residents by establishing and enhancing green spaces within city limits.
Key Features of Nagar Van Yojana
- Urban Green Spaces: The primary goal of the Nagar Van Yojana is to introduce and expand green areas within urban settings. This includes creating aesthetically pleasing environments that contribute to the overall well-being of city residents.
- Environmental Awareness: The scheme places a strong emphasis on educating the public about plants, biodiversity, and environmental stewardship. By increasing awareness, it aims to foster a culture of environmental responsibility.
- In-Situ Conservation: Nagar Van Yojana supports the conservation of important regional flora, helping to preserve native plant species within urban areas.
- Environmental Improvement: The scheme contributes to urban environmental improvements through various mechanisms:
- Pollution Mitigation: Green spaces help reduce air pollution by filtering pollutants and providing cleaner air.
- Noise Reduction: Plants and trees act as natural sound barriers, reducing noise pollution.
- Water Harvesting: Green areas can facilitate water conservation through rainwater harvesting.
- Heat Island Effect: By increasing vegetation, the scheme helps mitigate the urban heat island effect, leading to cooler city environments.
- Health Benefits: The development of green spaces extends health benefits to urban residents by promoting physical activity, improving air quality, and enhancing mental well-being.
- Climate Resilience: Nagar Van Yojana aids in making cities more resilient to climate change by improving their environmental infrastructure and reducing vulnerability to climate-related stresses.
Support and Funding
The Nagar Van Yojana is backed by the CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) fund, which supports various forest and environmental initiatives. This funding is crucial for the successful implementation of the scheme, ensuring that resources are available for the development and maintenance of urban green spaces.
Legal Framework for Forest and Wildlife Protection
In addition to the Nagar Van Yojana, the government enforces several laws to protect forests and wildlife. These include:
- Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980
- Indian Forest Act, 1927
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
These laws, along with other relevant central and state regulations, are implemented by State Governments and Union Territories to safeguard forest and wildlife resources.
Ministerial Statement
This information was provided by Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, the Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. The announcement underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing urban green spaces and improving environmental quality in cities.
The Nagar Van Yojana represents a proactive step towards sustainable urban development, aiming to create healthier, greener cities that contribute positively to the environment and quality of life for residents.
