Nagar Van Yojana: Greening India’s Urban Landscapes

The Nagar Van Yojana (NVY), a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India, is dedicated to creating urban forests and green spaces across the country. This scheme aims to enhance the quality of life for city dwellers by promoting biodiversity, improving the environment, and providing recreational areas.

Objectives of the Nagar Van Yojana

The NVY is guided by the following objectives:

1. Green Space Creation: To create green spaces and an aesthetic environment in urban settings.

2. Biodiversity Awareness: To raise awareness about plants and biodiversity and foster environmental stewardship.

3. In-Situ Conservation: To facilitate the in-situ conservation of important flora in the region.

4. Environmental Improvement: To contribute to environmental improvement by mitigating pollution, providing cleaner air, reducing noise, harvesting water, and reducing heat island effects.

5. Health Benefits: To extend health benefits to residents of the city.

6. Climate Resilience: To help cities become more climate resilient.

Key Features of the Revised Scheme

The revised Nagar Van Yojana includes the following salient features:

• Coverage: All cities with Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, or Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are proposed to be covered.

• Nagar Van Area: Nagar Vans can be developed over a minimum area of 10 hectares, with grants limited to a maximum of 50 hectares.

• Nagar Vatika Area: Nagar Vatikas can be developed in congested parts of cities with a minimum area of 1 ha and a maximum of 10 ha.

• Location Flexibility: Nagar Van sites can be located up to 5 km from the city limits, considering future expansions.

• Land Options: Development is not limited to forest land, but can also include other available land.

• Targets: The scheme aims to develop 400 Nagar Vans and 200 Nagar Vatikas over four years (2021-22 to 2024-25).

• Collaborative Approach: Municipalities, ULBs, and other land-owning agencies can submit proposals through State Forest Departments.

• Public Participation: Development and management of Nagar Van and Vatika should encourage PPP models with active participation from people, students, and other stakeholders.

• Tree Selection: Selection of trees should prioritize local species that enrich biodiversity, including fruit-bearing and medicinal plants.

• Public Access: Nagar Van/Vatika must be open to the public, subject to suitable restrictions.

• Tree Cover: At least two-thirds of the area should be under tree cover or woodland.

• Components: Nagar Van/Vatika may include components such as Biodiversity Park, Nakshatra Van, Butterfly Conservatory, Waterbody, Smriti Van, and Herbal Garden.

• Financial Assistance: The financial assistance component remains at Rs. 4 lakh per hectare.

Financial Modalities

• One-Time Grant: The Ministry will provide a one-time development and non-recurring grant to the implementing agency, up to Rs. 2.0 crores for 50 ha.

• State Funding: Financial assistance from the Government of India is provided as a grant to the State Forest Department (SFD), which further releases funds to implementing agencies within 7 days.

• Collaborative Development: Nagar Van/Vatika may be developed through collaboration with various stakeholders, including government departments, NGOs, industries, and civil society.

• Participatory Approach: A PPP model is encouraged to ensure public participation in planning, implementation, and management.

• User Fees and Grants: The implementing agency may levy user fees and receive grants from other sources.

• Corpus Fund: Funds received by the implementing agency are to be maintained in an interest-bearing account.

• Time-Bound Assistance: Financial assistance is provided for the first two years only.

• Detailed Accounting: Detailed accounts of receipts and expenditure must be maintained by each implementing agency.

Components of Nagar Van/Nagar Vatika

The scheme supports various components within Nagar Van/Vatika projects, including:

• Fencing of the area.

• Establishment and maintenance of woodlots/tree cover.

• Theme-based plantations (Smriti Van, Nakshatra Van, etc.).

• Ornamental trees, shrubs, climbers, medicinal plants, flowering plants, and fruit trees.

• Irrigation/rain water harvesting.

• Public conveniences, drinking water facilities, benches, walkways, and cycle tracks.

• Information and extension centers.

Implementation and Monitoring

• Project Proposals: Detailed project proposals are formulated by implementing agencies and submitted to the State Forest Department (SFD), which then forwards them to the National Afforestation and Eco-development Board (NAEB).

• State Level Monitoring: Implementation and monitoring at the state level are the responsibility of the SFD.

• Project Management Unit (PMU): A PMU will be set up in NAEB, MoEF&CC for coordinating, monitoring, and publicity of the scheme.

Targets and Scope

The scheme aims to develop 400 Nagar Vans and 200 Nagar Vatikas over a five-year period (2020-21 to 2024-25). Efforts will be made to establish at least one Nagar Van/Vatika in each city across the country.

Conclusion

The Nagar Van Yojana is a transformative initiative that promotes urban forestry and enhances the quality of life for city dwellers. By creating green spaces, promoting biodiversity, and encouraging community participation, the scheme contributes to a more sustainable and resilient urban environment.