Correct Answer : Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
The activities proposed under Nagar Van Yojana during the first 100 days of the Government was to approve 100 Nagar Vans. With the collective effort of the Central and Sate/UT Governments, this target has been achieved and surpassed, with 111 Nagar Vans being sanctioned within the 100 days. These 111 Nagar Vans are spread across 6 States and 1 UT of the country.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India had launched revised Nagar Van Yojana (NVY) in 2020 in an effort to enhance the urban greenery for improving the quality of life and increasing social cohesion in cities. These Nagar Vans will not only be vital environmental resources but also be a space for recreation, environment education, biodiversity conservation and a tool for adaptation towards climate change making the cities climate resilient.
The scheme provides financial assistance of Rs. 4 lakh per hectare for the creation and maintenance of these urban forests, encouraging the involvement of citizens, students, and other stakeholders in the creation and management of these green spaces. Nagar Van areas range from a minimum of 10 ha to 50 ha. The scheme covers all cities with Municipal Corporations, Municipalities and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
Emphasis is on biodiversity, Planting fruit-bearing, medicinal, and native species to attract wildlife and promote ecological balance. Community participation is central, with opportunities for public engagement through tree planting, educational programs, and sustainable management. Each Nagar Van must have at least two-thirds of its area under tree cover and will feature components like Biodiversity Parks, Smriti Vans, Butterfly Conservatories, and Herbal Gardens and now Matri Van created under Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam.
Presently, the Nagar Van Yojana aims to develop 1000 Nagar Vans by the year 2027 with the financial support of National Fund of National Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (National CAMPA). This initiative will help in protecting forest land within and around urban centers from degradation and encroachment and will also address environmental concerns such as air pollution, urban heat islands, the loss of biodiversity, degradation of habitat etc..
Source : PIB
