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Nagar Van Yojana aims to create 1000 urban forests by 2027, blending greenery and community spirit. Discover how Nagar Van Yojana is transforming cities!
Nagar Van Yojana (NVY) was implemented by the National Afforestation and Eco-development Board under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change to enhance urban greenery and improve the quality of life in cities. Launched in 2020, this scheme aims to develop urban forests which are referred to as Nagar Vans and Nagar Vatikas, across India. These green spaces provide a much-needed ecological balance to urban and peri-urban areas and offer multiple environmental, social, and recreational benefits.
Nagar Van Yojana was launched in 2020 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the Nagar Van Yojana aims to develop 1,000 Nagar Vans (urban forests) and 400 Nagar Vatikas (urban gardens) by 2027. These green spaces act as biodiversity hubs, recreational zones, and climate adaptation resources while addressing environmental challenges such as air pollution and the urban heat island effect.
The scheme provides financial assistance of ₹4 lakh per hectare, supporting fencing, soil conservation, plantation, and maintenance. Citizen participation is a key aspect in encouraging local communities to engage in tree planting, sustainable management, and environmental education.
The Nagar Van Yojana aims to transform urban areas by promoting sustainable environmental practices and creating green spaces. Below are the key features of the initiative:
The Nagar Van Yojana seeks to enhance urban environments through the development of green spaces, promoting biodiversity, and improving the overall quality of life. The following objectives of Nagar Van Yojana are summarised below:
The Nagar Van Scheme was officially launched in 2020 as a part of the government’s efforts to expand and develop green spaces in urban areas. Under the 100-day action plan, 111 Nagar Vans were approved, exceeding the target of 100 Nagar Vans across six states and one union territory.
Initially, the scheme targeted the development of 400 Nagar Vans and 200 Nagar Vatikas by 2025. However, the updated goal aims for 1,000 Nagar Vans by 2027 with funding from the National CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority).
| Meaning of Nagar Vans
Nagar Vans: These are urban forests designed to enhance green cover and biodiversity in cities. They act as ecological hubs and recreational spaces for urban residents. |
| Meaning of Nagar Vatikas
Nagar Vatikas: Smaller green spaces, akin to community parks, focusing on creating serene, biodiversity-rich environments within cities. |
The Nagar Van Yojana offers multiple benefits that extend beyond environmental progress:
The Nagar Van Yojana focuses on developing both Nagar Vans (urban forests) and Nagar Vatikas (urban gardens), each functioning for distinct purposes. While they both contribute to urban greenery, they differ in their scale, features, and primary objectives. Below is a detailed comparison:
| Difference Between Nagar Van and Nagar Vatika | ||
| Aspect | Nagar Van | Nagar Vatika |
| Definition | Large urban forests covering 10–50 hectares. | Smaller gardens or parks in urban settings. |
| Primary Purpose | Biodiversity conservation and climate resilience. | Recreation and aesthetic enhancement. |
| Components | Includes biodiversity parks, Smriti Vans, butterfly conservation centers, and herbal gardens. | Features walking paths, flower gardens, and small green zones. |
| Community Engagement | Focuses on citizen participation in afforestation and environmental education. | Encourages public use for relaxation and leisure. |
| Environmental Impact | Addresses air pollution, urban heat, and habitat degradation. | Primarily improves local air quality and beautifies neighbourhoods. |
| Funding and Scale | Larger funding under CAMPA; spans larger areas. | Requires less funding; developed in smaller areas. |
Both initiatives under the Nagar Van Yojana are essential for enhancing urban green cover and promoting sustainable development, each catering to specific urban needs.
“Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” is a tree plantation campaign launched by Prime Minister Modi on World Environment Day, 5th June 2024. It encourages people to plant trees as a tribute to their mothers, promoting environmental protection and tree plantation. The campaign aims to plant 80 crore trees by September 2024 and 140 crore by March 2025. Over 75 crore saplings have already been planted, tracked through the MeriLife portal. On 17th September 2024, the initiative expanded to create “Mother Forests” in newly sanctioned Nagar Vans, transforming cities into eco-friendly spaces.
The scheme will be fully funded by the National Fund under CAMPA, and its implementation will be governed by general and specific conditions (to this scheme) for similar works undertaken from the National Fund under CAMPA. The tentative cost of the scheme (2020-21 to 2024-25) is given below:
| SI. No. | Item of Works | Estimated Cost (Rs. in crore) |
| 1 | Nagar Vans (Total 400 in number) Nagar Vatikas (Total 200 number) | 800.00 80.00 |
| 2 | Grants to States/ SFDs (engagement of technical consultants, lump sum grant for monitoring and overhead expenses) | 9.54 |
| 3 | Operations of Project Management Unit, Monitoring and Evaluation, Workshops/Seminars, Publicity, Publication of report, Films and other Administrative expenses etc. for NAEB. | 5.00 |
| Total | 894.54 Crore (Say Rs. 895.00 crore) |
The Nagar Van Yojana is a transformative step towards sustainable urban development, that combines ecological benefits with social and economic gains. By creating Nagar Vans and Nagar Vatikas, the scheme addresses critical environmental issues like air pollution, biodiversity loss, and urban heat islands.
With strong community participation and government support, Nagar Van Yojana stands as a symbol of hope for greener and healthier cities in India. Initiatives like “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” further amplify its impact, promoting a culture of environmental responsibility among citizens.
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