MP Launches ₹100-Crore Urban Forestry Mission

The Madhya Pradesh Urban Administration, Development and Housing Department is set to launch a ₹100-crore Urban Forestry Mission to develop theme-based urban forests across the state over the next five years.

The initiative, named 'Namo Harit-Nagar Yojana', will be implemented under the 'Amrit Harit Maha-Abhiyan' and will utilize technology-driven monitoring to improve the survival rate of planted saplings. Every sapling planted during the monsoon will be monitored through geo-tagging, QR codes, and GIS mapping.

The drive is expected to begin by the end of this month and will focus on developing theme-based parks and increasing greenery on barren hills, particularly in major cities like Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and Ujjain. As part of the preparations, UADD officials recently inspected barren hills between Chinar Park and Bhadbhada Gate near the Judicial Academy.

Native species suitable for local soil and climate will be planted, and rainwater harvesting and plantation along water bodies will also be promoted. The urban forests will be developed on various themes, including Panchvati Nakshatra Van, Aushadhi Vatika, Oxygen Park, Butterfly Park, and Yoga-Wellness Park.

The state will fund the project through a 50:50 model, requiring urban local bodies to mobilize matching funds through public participation, NGOs, self-help groups, and CSR contributions. Financial assistance of up to ₹5 crore will be provided to each of the five major municipal corporations, while smaller ULBs will receive grants based on their category.

Environmental expert Dr. Subhash C Pandey noted that despite several plantation drives over the years, poor monitoring and maintenance have limited the average survival rate of saplings in many urban areas to 30-40%. However, he cited Indore's Revati Range plantation as a success story, where over 12 lakh saplings were planted in 2024 and reportedly achieved over 90% survival due to continuous monitoring and maintenance.

In recent years, Bhopal has seen several major plantation campaigns, including Van Mahotsav & Nagar Van Plantation in 2021, Miyawaki Urban Forest in 2022, Meri LiFE Mission in 2023, and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam in 2024 and 2025. However, the survival rate of these plantations has been a concern, with Bhopal achieving only about 17% of its 12-lakh target in 2025.

UADD commissioner Sanket Bhondwe stated that the highest possible survival rate would be achieved and that officials had been directed to develop scientific urban forests with walking tracks, nature trails, and public amenities, rather than limiting the project to plantations alone.

The launch of the Urban Forestry Mission is a significant step towards improving the environment and increasing green cover in Madhya Pradesh. With its focus on technology-driven monitoring and community participation, the mission has the potential to make a positive impact on the state's urban ecosystems.

The success of this mission will not only contribute to the betterment of the environment but also provide a model for other states to follow. As India continues to urbanize, initiatives like the Urban Forestry Mission will play a crucial role in maintaining a balance between development and environmental sustainability.

In conclusion, the Madhya Pradesh Urban Forestry Mission is an ambitious project that aims to create a greener and more sustainable future for the state's urban areas. With its innovative approach and focus on community participation, the mission has the potential to make a lasting impact on the environment and the lives of the people living in these areas.