(a) whether the Government has formulated or proposes to formulate any policy for conservation, management and/or development of ‘urban greens/green parks’ towards improving green cover/reduce pollution in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has identified such areas in Tier-I, Tier-II and Tier-III cities; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)
(a) to (d) The National Forest Policy, 1988 already recognizes that a massive need-based programme of afforestation and tree planting on all degraded and denuded lands in the country, whether forest or non-forest land, is a national imperative. The policy further emphasizes that “Green Belts” should be raised in urban/industrial areas as well as in arid tracts.
The Urban and Regional Development Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) Guidelines, 2015 issued by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs also emphasizes practices and methods for protecting and enhancing urban greenery in a sustainable manner.
Further, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched two schemes for urban greenings in 2015 viz. (i) Nagar Van Yojana and (ii) School Nursery Yojana.
Nagar Van Yojana aims to create/ develop at least one City Forest in each city having Municipal Corporation/ Class I Cities for providing wholesome healthy living environment, and contributing to growth of Smart, Clean, Green, Sustainable and Healthy cities.
The School Nursery Yojana aims at involving school students in raising plant nurseries to bring them closer to natural environment, help them understand the natural processes of germination and feel the joy of watching saplings grow.
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