Context:
The Telangana government’s proposal to allocate 400 acres of Kancha Gachibowli urban forest for industrial development triggered public protests and Supreme Court intervention, highlighting the widespread neglect of urban forests in India’s urbanisation. This incident coincides with national initiatives like the Nagar Van Yojana, which aims to develop 1,000 urban forests by 2027.
Model Answer:
Urban forests are green spaces within or around cities, comprising trees, parks, and wooded patches. They are essential for maintaining ecological balance amidst rapid urban expansion.
Significance of Urban Forests in the Urbanization:
1. Air Quality Regulation: Urban forests act as natural air filters by absorbing harmful pollutants like PM2.5, SOx, and NOx.
Example: 1 hectare of urban forest removes ~1 ton of air pollutants annually (US Forest Service).
2. Carbon Sequestration: Urban trees serve as carbon sinks, helping mitigate emissions and combat climate change.
Example: Supports India’s net-zero carbon emission target by 2070.
3. Microclimate Regulation: Green cover helps reduce city temperatures via shade and evapotranspiration, easing heat stress.
Example: Delhi and Ahmedabad benefit from reduced Urban Heat Island effects due to forest patches.
4. Stormwater Management: Forested areas absorb rainwater, preventing flash floods and reducing soil erosion in cities.
Example: Bengaluru’s frequent flooding is linked to loss of natural green buffers.
5. Biodiversity Conservation: Urban forests host native flora and fauna, ensuring ecological balance within city ecosystems.
Example: Delhi Ridge and Aarey forest preserve rich urban biodiversity.
Challenges in Preserving Urban Forests:
1. Encroachment and Unplanned Development: Rapid urban expansion often leads to the illegal occupation and destruction of forested areas.
Example: Aarey forest land was diverted for infrastructure, causing biodiversity loss.
2. Lack of Legal Clarity: Absence of a defined legal category for urban forests weakens their institutional protection.
Example: Despite the Godavarman judgment, urban forests remain ambiguously classified.
3. Inadequate Mapping and Inventory: Lack of updated GIS and forest records results in poor monitoring and unregulated tree felling.
Example: Misclassified lands often lead to unnoticed forest loss in city zones.
4. Institutional Fragmentation: Multiple agencies with overlapping roles create confusion and slow forest governance.
Example: Coordination gaps delay conservation efforts across city departments.
5. Low Citizen Engagement: Lack of awareness and formal channels limits sustained public participation in forest care.
Example: Few cities have participatory platforms like Delhi’s RWA-led green initiatives.
Sustainable Roadmap for Urban Forest Preservation:
1. Legal Recognition: Define and protect “Urban Forest Zones” through amendments in environmental and urban planning laws.
Example: Municipal plans can mandate green buffer zones like reserved parks and forest belts.
2. Integrated Urban Planning: Embed urban forests in Smart Cities, AMRUT, and enforce strict EIAs in infrastructure approvals.
Example: Pune’s Smart City plan integrates green zones, avoiding loss like Aarey in Mumbai.
3. Strengthened Institutions: Establish Urban Forestry Cells in Urban Local Bodies to handle planning, protection, and governance.
Example: Ahmedabad’s Urban Forestry Division effectively manages afforestation and biodiversity.
4. Community Stewardship: Promote citizen-led conservation by enabling RWAs, schools, and NGOs to maintain green spaces.
Example: Delhi’s ‘Adopt a Park’ scheme involves RWAs in park maintenance and care.
5. Technology-Based Monitoring: Use GIS, satellite imagery, and drones for real-time monitoring of forest health and encroachments.
Example: ISRO’s Bhuvan Portal helps track and plan urban green cover precisely.
Conclusion:
Urban forests should be recognized as vital urban infrastructure for climate resilience, not just passive green spaces. Legal safeguards, empowered local bodies, and active citizen participation are essential for their sustainable management and integration into urban planning.
‘+1’ Value Addition:
- Data: 1 hectare of urban forest removes ~1 ton of pollutants/year (USDA); Delhi AQI reached 494 (CPCB, 2024)
- Scheme: Nagar Van Yojana (2020) – Targets creation of 1,000 urban forests by 2027
- Constitutional Provision: Article 21 – Right to Life (includes right to healthy environment)
- Judicial Case: Godavarman Case (1996) – Expanded the legal definition of forests to include urban green spaces
- Quote: “The city is not a concrete jungle; it is a human zoo.” — Desmond Morris
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