Physical Geography
Urban Forest
▪ Context: The Supreme Court issued a stay on deforestation in Hyderabad’s Kancha Gachibowli forest amid massive protests against state-led land auction for IT development.
▪ Kancha Gachibowli is one of Hyderabad’s last remaining urban forests.
Significance of Urban Forest
▪ Environmental: Provides air and water purification, carbon sequestration, temperature regulation, and biodiversity conservation. E.g., Delhi Ridge acts as a green lung for the city.
▪ Social: Improves physical and mental health, reduce stress, boost activity, and enhance social
cohesion.
▪ Economic: Increases property values, attract tourism, and support local businesses and
development.
▪ Climate Resilience: Help adapt to climate change by reducing heat, flooding, improving air quality, and enhancing biodiversity.
Initiatives taken by government
▪ Nagar Van Udyan Program: To create 200 urban forests, involving local communities, schools, and organizations in their development and maintenance.
▪ School Nursery Yojana (SNY): To connect children with nature by involving them in growing
saplings at school nurseries.
▪ Miyawaki Forest Plantation: To create dense, self-sustaining forests using native species,
enhancing ecosystems and thriving in urban areas.
▪ Greening Guidelines: Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs requires cities to maintain a minimum of 12-18% green cover.