Nagar Van Yojana Surpasses Target with 111 Urban Forests

September 24, 2024

The Nagar Van Yojana (NVY) was launched by the Government of India in 2020 to increase the amount of greenery in cities. Within the first 100 days of this new initiative, the government aimed to create 100 urban forests, called Nagar Vans. This target was exceeded, with 111 Nagar Vans approved across 6 states and 1 union territory.

Purpose of Nagar Van Yojana

The main goal of NVY is to improve the quality of life in cities by creating more green spaces. These urban forests will provide areas for relaxation, education, and environmental benefits. They also aim to help fight climate change by improving air quality and reducing the effects of rising temperatures in urban areas.

Financial Support and Size

The government is providing Rs. 4 lakh per hectare to help create and maintain these Nagar Vans. Each forest will cover an area between 10 to 50 hectares, depending on the size of the city. Cities with Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, and Urban Local Bodies will be part of the program.

Focus on Biodiversity

NVY focuses on improving biodiversity by planting a variety of trees, including fruit-bearing, medicinal, and native species. This will help attract wildlife and create a balanced environment within the city. These urban forests will not only be places of greenery but also havens for different forms of life.

Community Participation

The involvement of the community is a key part of the Nagar Van Yojana. People are encouraged to participate in tree-planting events and educational programs. Each urban forest must have at least two-thirds of its area covered with trees. By engaging the public, the initiative hopes to build a strong connection between people and their local environment.

Components of Nagar Vans

Each Nagar Van will have multiple features to serve different purposes. These may include:

Biodiversity Parks to protect various plant and animal species.
Smriti Vans, where trees are planted in memory of loved ones.
Butterfly Conservatories to attract and protect butterflies.
Herbal Gardens to grow medicinal plants.
Matri Vans, which are planted under the “Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam” (A Tree in Mother’s Name) initiative.

Future Goals

By 2027, the government plans to create 1,000 Nagar Vans across India. This effort is supported by the National Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA). The aim is to protect urban forests and tackle important environmental issues like air pollution and habitat loss in cities.

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