Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, shed light on the pivotal initiatives taken by India to combat land degradation and promote afforestation.The Nagar Van Yojana (Urban Forest Scheme), a progressive initiative the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has gained significant traction as its progress continues to illuminate India’s commitment to creating vibrant urban green spaces.
Nagar Van Yojana( NVY)
- The NVY was introduced in the year 2020 with a visionary objective – the creation of 1000 Nagar Vans (urban forests) in cities equipped with Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, Municipalities, and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
- This ambitious initiative is designed to foster not only a holistic and healthy living environment for city residents but also to contribute significantly to the growth of cleaner, greener, and more sustainable urban centres.
Key Features
- Creating green space and aesthetic environment in an urban set-up.
- Creating awareness about plants and biodiversity and developing environment stewardship.
- Facilitating in-situ conservation of important flora of the region.
- Contributing to environmental improvement of cities by pollution mitigation, providing cleaner air, noise reduction, water harvesting and reduction of heat islands effect.
- Extending health benefits to residents of the city and helping cities become climate resilient.
Progress and Impact of NVY
- Since its inception, the NVY has gained remarkable momentum, with 385 projects sanctioned across the country.
- This impressive progress underscores India’s dedication to transforming its cities into thriving, eco-conscious communities.
Initiatives to Combat Land Degradation and Promote Afforestation
Government Initiatives to Boost Forest Cover
- The NFP 1988 sets a national goal of achieving a minimum of one-third of the total land area under forest or tree cover.
- The aim is to maintain ecological balance, conserve natural heritage, and prevent soil erosion in river, lake, and reservoir catchment areas.
National Mission for a Green India (GIM)
- It is under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and aims to increase forest and tree cover, restore degraded ecosystems, and enhance biodiversity.
Forest Fire Protection & Management Scheme (FFPM)
- This scheme focuses on preventing and managing forest fires, contributing to the overall health of forests.
Compensatory Afforestation Fund
- This approach involves utilizing funds collected for diverting forest land for non-forest purposes to undertake afforestation and reforestation projects, thus restoring forest cover.
- Utilized by States/UTs for compensatory afforestation to offset forest land diversion for developmental projects.
- 90% of the Compensatory Afforestation Fund money is to be given to the states while 10% is to be retained by the Centre.