CM Mohan Yadav Tells How Nagar Vans and Vatikas Are Emerging as Symbols of Green Growth and Sustainable Urban Development in MP
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, Madhya Pradesh has witnessed a renewed thrust towards green and sustainable urban development. The Forest Department’s Nagar Van Yojana has evolved into a people-centric model that effectively balances environmental conservation with urban development. By transforming the scheme into a mass movement through public participation, the State is promoting a visionary and impactful approach to sustainable urban growth.
A robust blueprint
Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has said that amid rapid urbanisation, shrinking green cover, and increasing environmental pressures, the ‘Nagar Van Yojana’ serves as a robust blueprint for reconnecting cities with nature and enhancing urban greenery.
Launched in 2020 by the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, the scheme envisages the development of Nagar Vans and Nagar Vatikas to create clean, healthy and environment-friendly urban spaces.
Urban forests inspire people to contribute to environmental conservation
These urban forests, being developed near major cities and district headquarters across the State, not only provide citizens with an opportunity to experience nature but also inspire them to contribute to environmental conservation. The primary objective of the scheme is to enhance urban green cover and bring citizens closer to nature, while promoting environmental awareness and eco-tourism.
Adverse effects of urban heat are being mitigated
The scheme extends beyond plantation activities. It also seeks to connect citizens, students, and local communities with nature and foster awareness about environmental protection. Through the Nagar Van Yojana, green spaces in cities are being expanded, air pollution is being reduced, the adverse effects of urban heat are being mitigated and biodiversity conservation is being strengthened. The initiative is also creating green public spaces for recreation, education, health and meaningful engagement with nature.
Development of 94 Nagar Vans and Vatikas
So far, approval has been granted for the development of 94 Nagar Vans and Nagar Vatikas under the Nagar Van Yojana. These projects cover a total area of approximately 3,141 hectares. The scheme has been expanded across various forest circles and districts, creating an extensive network of green infrastructure in urban areas.
The urban forests developed under the scheme include plantation activities, fencing, soil and moisture conservation works, public utility structures, recreational facilities and environmental education initiatives. Each urban forest is being developed according to local geographical, ecological and social requirements.
Nagar Vans Equipped with Multi-Dimensional Facilities
Nagar Vans are being developed with a range of facilities designed to enhance public convenience, encourage community participation and promote environmental education. These facilities include entrance gates, walking tracks, RCC roads, bridges, viewpoints, watchtowers, signboards, ponds, water conservation structures, gabion structures, water storage tanks, nature trails, open seating areas, gazebos, toilets and drinking water facilities.
Nagar Vans also feature butterfly gardens, Nakshatra Vatikas etc
Many Nagar Vans also feature butterfly gardens, Nakshatra Vatikas, medicinal plant zones, Miyawaki plantations, nature interpretation centres, and biodiversity demonstration areas. Facilities such as kids’ zones, zip lines, nature trails, and other recreational activities have also been created, making these sites important centres for environmental education and eco-tourism.
Nagar Vans Emerging as Major Attractions
Nagar Vans developed at Jaitpur and Laharpur in Bhopal, Neelganga in Ujjain, Devguradia and the IIT area in Indore, Shankargarh Hills in Jabalpur, Kailash Nagar-Bagli and Diwatpur in Dewas, Narmada Khel Park in Narsinghpur, and Mandaleshwar in Mandla, along with projects in Umaria, Neemuch, Sheopur, Sagar, Khandwa, Khargone, Alirajpur, Betul, Chhindwara and several other districts, have emerged as shining examples of the scheme’s success.
These Nagar Vans place special emphasis on biodiversity conservation, water conservation, land treatment, green tourism and community participation. They have become major attractions for local residents, students and tourists alike.
Public Participation: The Greatest Strength of the Scheme
Public participation has played a crucial role in the success of the Nagar Van Yojana. The Forest Department regularly organises plantation drives, environmental awareness programmes, nature walks, student activities and community outreach events.
Through the ‘Harit Seva Ka Shram’ Abhiyan, public representatives, social organizations, students and citizens have been actively involved in plantation and conservation activities.
Extensive plantation drives have also been carried out in urban forests under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0 campaign.
‘Harit Yog’ – A Confluence of Nature and Wellness
Nagar Vans are no longer merely green spaces; they are also emerging as centres for health and lifestyle improvement. On the occasion of International Yoga Day, Harit Yog programmes have been organised in several urban forests across the State, attracting large numbers of participants.
A Model for Green and Sustainable Urban Development
The Nagar Van Yojana has emerged as a powerful model for environmental conservation, biodiversity enhancement, water conservation, public health and citizen participation in urban areas. The scheme is not only expanding green cover in urban areas but also creating a strong foundation for environmental conservation and sustainable development for future generations.