अर्बन ग्रीनिंग गाइडलाइन के अनुसार शहरों की हरियाली बढ़ाना आवश्यक

Tell-All

We Asked: Do you think it would be possible to restore urban green cover, especially in the form of lawns or some open spaces, around us? Or is it too late to act now (annual plantation drives are mostly done on the outskirts and not visible around us, the forest dept is itself cutting down large trees, and no one is keeping a lawn these days- only flowers in pots?…

2011 में हुई जनगणना के अनुसार भारत की 31.16% आबादी शहरों में रहती है और ये पिछले दशक में और अधिक बढ़ी है। शहरों में बढ़ती जनसंख्या का सीधा असर शहरों की हरियाली पर पड़ा है जिससे शहरों का अर्बन हीट आइलैंड में परिवर्तित होना, प्रदूषण का बढ़ना, जैवविविधता का विनाश आदि गंभीर समस्याएं उत्पन्न हो रही हैं और यह असुंतलन लोगों के शारीरिक और मानसिक स्वास्थ्य पर बहुत बुरा असर डाल रहा है। इसलिए बढ़ते हुए शहरीकरण के सामने आज सबसे बड़ी चुनौती इसके हरित क्षेत्र का संरक्षण और हर घर को हरित बनाना है। इसको लेकर सरकार की ओर से शहरों की महायोजना बनाकर हरित क्षेत्र तय करना, नगर विकास मंत्रालय भारत सरकार की अर्बन ग्रीनिंग गाइडलाइन, 2014 एवं इंडिया कूलिंग एक्शन प्लान, 2019 आदि काफी महत्वपूर्ण नियम बनाए गए हैं जिन्हें यदि बेहतर तरीके से लागू किया जाए तो शहरों में हरियाली बढ़ाने, तापमान पर नियंत्रण, वर्षा जल संरक्षण आदि को बहुत ही प्रभावी ढंग से लागू किया जा सकता है। अर्बन ग्रीनिंग गाइडलाइन, 2014 के अनुसार शहरों की हरियाली बढ़ाना बहुत आवश्यक है क्योंकि इससे शहरी प्रदूषण को कम करने और लोगों के स्वास्थ्य में सुधार करने में मदद मिलती है, इससे शहरों में साफ हवा, साफ पानी व अच्छी मिट्टी की जरूरतें पूरी होती हैं, शहरों में हरियाली बढ़ाकर शहर में धरती की सतह का तापमान 17% कम किया जा सकता है जिससे शहर की एयरकंडीशन की जरूरतों को 50% तक कम किया जा सकता है और इससे शहर की सूक्ष्म जलवायु को नियंत्रित करने और शहरी जैवविविधता के संरक्षण में मदद मिलती है और साथ ही संयुक्त राष्ट्र के सेस्टेनिबल डेवलपमेंट गोल को भी पूरा करने में मदद मिलती है। यदि सिर्फ इन गाइडलाइन को ही पूरी तरह लागू करने के लिए जिला प्रशासन और राज्य सरकारें प्रतिबद्ध हो जाएं तो आज भी बड़े प्रभावशाली ढंग से शहरी हरियाली को बढ़ाया जा सकता है। इसके साथ ही साथ इन गाइडलाइन के अनुसार कंक्रीट का इस्तेमाल भी कम करने पर ध्यान देने की जरूरत है ताकि वर्षाजल मिट्टी में जाकर उसे उपजाऊ बनाए और हरियाली को बढ़ने में मदद मिले और इसके लिए सड़कों के किनारे, पार्कों में, पार्किंग एरिया, सार्वजनिक स्थानों आदि पर इंटरलॉकिंग टाइल्स के बजाय छेद वाली परफोरेटेड टाइल्स का ही प्रयोग किया जाए। इसके लिए हर शहर के बुद्धिजीवी वर्ग, पर्यावरण कार्यकर्ताओं को जिला प्रशासन से संवाद करके इन नियमों को बड़े प्रभावी ढंग से लागू कराने का दबाव बनाने की जरूरत है। आगरा के पर्यावरण कार्यकर्ता अंकुश दवे बताते हैं कि अर्बन ग्रीनिंग गाइडलाइन को लागू करवाने मामला वे लागतार वन प्रभाग आगरा, आगरा डेवलपमेंट अथारिटी, नगर निगम आगरा आदि के समक्ष उठा रहे हैं और इस बारे में डीएफओ आगरा ने भी संबंधित विभागों को उसे पालन कराने को कहा हैं। अंकुश दवे बताते हैं कि शहरों की हरियाली को वापस लाने का प्रयास हमें आखिरी सांस तक करने की जरूरत है क्योंकि उसका कोई विकल्प नहीं है। वे बताते हैं कि शहरी हरियाली को बढ़ाने के लिए मिट्टी के पुनरुद्धार की बड़ी जरूरत है क्योंकि उसके बगैर वर्षा जल भी मिट्टी के भीतर जाने के बजाय बह जाता है और पोषण के बिना भी पौधे बढ़ नहीं पाते और मिट्टी के संरक्षण के लिए सड़कों के किनारे बड़ी तादात में बांस उगाकर बहुत सी समस्याएं हल की जा सकती हैं। साथ ही जलभराव वाले स्थानों पर फाइकस परिवार के पेड़ जैसे पीपल, बरगद, गूलर, पाकड़ आदि को बढ़ावा देना चाहिए। इसके लिए एक निश्चित क्षेत्रफल से बड़े सरकारी व निजी जमीनों पर भी ज्यादा हरियाली बढ़ाए जाने और इसके माध्यम से वर्षाजल को जमीन में पहुंचाने की जरूरत है ताकि हरियाली बरकरार रहे।इसके साथ ही शहरों में पेड़ों की कटान को भी दिल्ली, आगरा आदि की तरह भी पूरी तरह प्रतिबंधित करने की भी जरूरत है। शासन के स्तर पर भी प्रतिबंधित पेड़ों की सूची में अधिकांश प्रजातियों को शामिल करने की जरूरत है। जिस तरह से गर्मियों के मौसम में तापमान बढ़ता जा रहा है, उसके अनुसार यदि शहरी हरियाली को बढ़ाने के लिए सरकार और निजी स्तर पर बड़े प्रयास नहीं किए गए तो शहर आने वाले समय में शायद रहने के लायक न रहें और ये कोरोना की महामारी की तरह पूरे जनजीवन को अस्त-व्यस्त न कर दे। -अभिषेक दुबे, पर्यावरण कार्यकर्ता, नेचर क्लब फाउंडेशन, गोण्डा (उप्र)

As a citizen of this planet Earth, we have seen drastic changes our planet has undergone over the years. With industrialization and unplanned human activities taking over the natural landscape, the effects of climate change and the deterioration of nature are becoming more evident with each passing day and their impact is being felt across the globe. The planet is facing numerous major environmental problems, including land, air, and water pollution, deforestation, water scarcity, non-degradable pollutants climate change, and loss of biodiversity that are threatening our planet's health and sustainability. The use of fossil fuels for energy, vehicular emissions, and the destruction of natural habitats for industrialization, unplanned development are some of the major factors contributing to these issues that have caused a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions, leading to a rise in global temperatures. The ever-increasing demand for water and land due to the increase in population and rapid urbanization in and around cities is becoming acute which is changing the land use, a natural recharging system of water resources, re-shaping the landscapes, changing the interaction of man with the surroundings and affecting the environment never witnessed so far. Climate change has led to unprecedented weather patterns, including increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters, such as floods, and droughts. The rising temperatures of our planet and the global warming crisis must be addressed urgently, or it could lead to an irreversible situation that could affect the earth for generations to come. Over the years, we have seen efforts to address these environmental challenges. Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectricity could reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and the emission of greenhouse gases.  Initiatives such as tree planting and the conservation of forests, reducing plastic usage, or conserving water can be the sink for greenhouse gases. Furthermore, governments worldwide must take responsibility and work towards adopting sustainable energy solutions and reducing emissions to achieve a better future for our planet. We have a responsibility to protect the Earth and its inhabitants, and it is through collective actions, we can ensure that we leave a better planet for future generations. We need to take urgent action to address these environmental issues. This includes reducing our carbon footprint, conserving water resources, promoting afforestation, and reducing air pollution. We need to adopt sustainable practices in our daily lives and work together to ensure that our planet remains healthy and sustainable for generations to come. It is concerning to see the effects of the heatwave currently gripping the northern Indian city of India. In Lucknow, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius, it is crucial to take action to protect the residents and the environment. The scorching sunshine is due to high UV radiations, which made the people feel a torturous summer never witnessed before. We all remember very well that these high temperatures (above 40 degrees Celsius) were not scorching so much in the 1980s. We have worked and played in the playground during summer vacations above 40 degrees Celsius without any problems. What is the reason that the same temperature that was bearable a few decades back has now become unbearable? There are two types of temperature real and effective. In the last so many years we have increased all those factors which increase the effective temperature and reduce all those factors which decrease the effective temperature. We have reduced the surface water bodies, deforestation, gross cover, and land area and increased the concrete jungles, deforestation, tiles on the roadside, greenhouse gases, the exhaust of AC, and use of granites and sandstones in the buildings. To get relief from the scorching heat certain steps are mandatory. Cities should be well planned with proper water bodies, vegetation, soil cover, and low concrete area. The use of plastering and tiles on both sides of the road should be checked and methods like afforestation should be encouraged. First and foremost, it is essential to spread awareness about the dangers of heat waves and educate people on how to take precautionary measures. One of the most important measures that can be taken is to ensure that people stay hydrated. The government can set up water stations to ensure that water is available to the public at all times and that people are encouraged to drink water frequently. Another measure that can be taken is to provide shelter for people who are unable to bear the heat. The government can set up cooling stations where people can take refuge from the heat. These shelters can be set up in public places. Furthermore, it is essential to promote green spaces in the city. Trees and green spaces help to lower the temperature and provide a cooling effect. The government can work with local communities to plant trees and promote urban greening. This will not only provide a cooling effect but also improve the air quality in the city. Finally, it is essential to reduce the heat island effect in the city. This can be achieved by promoting the use of reflective materials on roofs and pavements. These materials reflect the sun's rays, reducing the amount of heat absorbed by the surface. The government can also promote the use of green roofs and pavements, which have been shown to have a cooling effect. In conclusion, it is crucial to take action to control the heatwave currently affecting Lucknow. By spreading awareness, promoting hydration, providing shelter, promoting green spaces, and reducing the heat island effect, we can protect the residents and the environment. We must work together to ensure that everyone can stay safe and healthy during these extreme weather conditions. -Prof Dhruv Sen Singh, Head, Department of Geology, University of Lucknow. He was a member of the First Indian Expedition to the Arctic (north Pole region) and recipient of the National Geoscience Award by GOI and Vigyan Ratna, Shikshak Shree, and Saraswati Samman by Govt of UP

Green cover and open spaces are very important in any urban agglomerate because they provide health, general well-being, and ecological benefits. The urban green cover acts as a reflective surface for incident sunlight and can reduce air temperatures through transpiration while providing shade and passive cooling through canopy cover. This also helps in reducing the incidence of heat-related illnesses. The vegetation used in these areas absorbs carbon dioxide, helping to offset greenhouse gas emissions. The green cover may be natural and/or anthropogenic -  such as remnant bushland, parks, gardens, and other plantations. Migration from rural and semi-urban settlements to bigger cities is an ever-growing phenomenon. The resultant intensified increase in urbanisation and the demand for built-up space causes open spaces to be reclaimed or encroached upon for development. This in turn leads to haphazard and unplanned urban expansion. Environmental degradation is one of the more serious consequences of this process. In accordance with the need for sustainable urban planning and climate-informed development actions across Indian cities, the ClimateSmart Cities Assessment Framework (CSCAF) was developed and rolled out by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). It is a ‘first of its kind’ self-assessment framework on climate-relevant parameters with an intent to provide a roadmap to Indian cities towards mainstreaming climate actions within current and future policies, programs, and projects. World Health Organisation (WHO) prescribes 9 sq m of green space per capita in urban areas. This figure varies across Indian cities, for instance, Chennai and Pune have a meagre 0.81 sq m per capita and 1.4 sq m per capita of green cover, respectively; well below the recommended standard. On the national level, Urban and Regional Development Plans Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) Guidelines, 2014, recommend a minimum of 12 to 18 percent green cover in an urban area. Other policies and guidelines including MoHUA’s Urban Greening Guidelines, 2014, the National Mission for Green India (GIM) under the National Action Plan for Climate Change (NAPCC), and the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) also provide spatial standards for city-level green cover. The city master plan/ development plan/ greening guidelines should integrate sensitive biodiversity hotspots for sustained conservation. Additionally, a strategy to rejuvenate and conserve open and green areas should be developed with the same being integrated within the city development plan/ master plan. The estimation of green cover is based on all the visible areas of natural and planted vegetation, as is visible from the satellite. Thus, conserving, rejuvenating, and increasing green spaces is vital for any city. This can be achieved through the restoration of the parks especially those with large trees and the conservation of urban forests. It will help mitigate a part of the impact of climate change by reducing Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) and heat stress. Concerted and dedicated action in this domain is vital and it is never ‘too late’. The top ten green cities in India, based on green initiatives and environmental consciousness are - Mysore, Bangaluru, Chandigarh, Gandhinagar, Indore, Pune, Diu, Jamshedpur, Shimla, Guwahati, Pune - in that order.  -Dr Shishir S Srivastava, Central Geological Service, Former Director, Geological Survey of India

Millennials are often seen referring to themselves as 'plant parents', particularly on social media. Houseplant sales are believed to have increased manifold in the past five years. The ongoing megatrend of sustainability and climate consciousness is at the root of this new culture. The promotion of air-purifying plants like the Snake plant (Sansevieria), Peace lily (Spathiphyllum), etc. due to the high pollution levels in Indian cities has also contributed to the popularity of houseplants. While this appears to be a step in the right direction, it has done little to increase or restore the green cover of our cities. As a child growing up in Lucknow in the late 80s and early 90s, I don't just have fond memories of playing in our garden but also remember enjoying my family trips to the neighbouring towns of Barabanki and Sitapur because of the green sights on the way. The highways were flanked by grand old trees of Imli (Tamarindus indica), Sheesham (Dalbergia sisoo), Pakadiya/Pilkhan (Ficus virens), etc. whose canopies extended from one side of the road to the other, making the ride pleasurable even during summers when cars had no air-conditioning. Driving on those highways without air-conditioning is unthinkable now because those trees were sacrificed for road widening long ago. When I visited Nasik in 2016, I saw how some roads had been widened without chopping off old trees. The trees had been used to act as dividers between the fast and slow lanes. This clearly shows that solutions to make development holistic and genuine are not impossible to find. As I write this piece, the news of felling 400 trees on Kanpur Road (Ashok Leyland project) and Gomti Nagar (UPSRTC project) has left the sensitive citizens of Lucknow disgruntled. In an article recently published in the Indian Express, Anumita Roychowdhury (Executive Director, Research and Advocacy, Centre for Science and Environment) explains that the World Health Organisation recommends a minimum of 9 sq.m of green space per individual. However, most urban construction projects (I'd refrain from using the word development for any project that disregards the environment) completely ignore this. The built-up area in our cities is increasing rapidly and the heat-trapping concrete surfaces are making heatwaves more severe. She further explains how the spatial spread of greenery and the quality of the canopies of trees also make a difference. A study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) found that areas without shade have a land surface temperature (LST) higher than 40°C; areas shaded by palm trees have a lower LST of 35.9°C, while areas covered with dense foliage have a significantly lower LST of  29.7°C. However, scientific studies like this are seldom taken into consideration by urban development authorities. Solutions exist, only if citizens decide to take matters into their hands. Those who own homes with open spaces can choose not to concretize them and plant native trees that grow faster and need no special care to thrive. Those who have balconies can make them greener by giving space to creepers that spread and create canopies, for example, the Curtain Creeper. Those living in apartments can try convincing the builders to prioritize native greenery instead of ornamental landscaping. Homes that don't have garden space but do have a small stretch of land, between their boundary wall and the road, can plant native fruit trees to create shade and facilitate biodiversity. If we genuinely love greenery, being parents to fancy houseplants will not be enough. We need to become foster parents to the heritage trees of our neighbourhood, public parks, and highways by standing up for their right to exist. We need to protect them from mutilation, allow their roots in non-concretized space to grow, and ensure that no plastic is littered around them. It needs to be remembered that protecting trees isn't about saving them, it is about safeguarding our own health and well-being. -Kaushlendra Singh & Isha Priya Singh. Father & daughter are passionate environmentalists. Father ex-wild life board member of Uttarakhand & a wildlife photographer. The daughter got educated at NIFT, author, an expert on handloom and cotton

The rapid pace of urbanization has led to a significant reduction in urban green cover, leaving many to wonder if it is too late to restore these vital spaces. While annual plantation drives often focus on the outskirts, the challenge lies in revitalizing green spaces within urban cores where the need is most immediate. Urban green cover, including lawns and open spaces, is crucial for environmental and public health. Green areas improve air quality, regulate temperatures, and provide recreational spaces, enhancing overall quality of life. However, the lack of available land and the high costs of maintenance pose significant hurdles. Despite these challenges, it is not too late to act. Several strategies can be employed to restore and increase urban green cover: 1-Policy Integration: Urban planning policies must prioritize green spaces. Mandating green areas in new developments and incentivizing the retrofitting of existing structures with green roofs and walls can make a substantial difference. 2-Community Involvement: Local communities can play a pivotal role. Community gardens, rooftop gardens, and the adoption of public spaces by residents can transform underutilized areas into vibrant green spaces. 3-Innovative Solutions: Vertical gardens and living walls are innovative approaches that require minimal ground space but provide significant green benefits. These solutions are particularly useful in densely populated areas. 4-Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between municipalities, businesses, and non-profits can drive large-scale green cover restoration projects. Corporate social responsibility initiatives can include the development and maintenance of green spaces. 5-Educational Campaigns: Raising awareness about the benefits of urban green cover and how individuals can contribute is essential. Educational initiatives can inspire residents to participate in local green projects. In conclusion, while the restoration of urban green cover presents challenges, it is both possible and necessary. By integrating green spaces into urban planning, fostering community involvement, adopting innovative solutions, and leveraging partnerships, we can create greener, healthier urban environments. The time to act is now, ensuring that our cities remain liveable and sustainable for future generations.-Ada Riyaz, M.Sc Biodiversity Studies and  Management,                                                                        Aligarh Muslim University

For ages, we as Indians, both culturally and socially, have been associated with various types of green covers both inside homes, open areas outside homes, and even common community meet-up areas. Tulsi used to be in all courtyards and banyan/peepal in open areas. So green cover restoration is something that has been closely associated with each one of us in India and we also know the importance of various varieties of plants, shrubs, and herbs. After the rise of more high-rise buildings and concretization, we have done away with the thought of how it would make soil infertile, air unbreathable, water undrinkable, etc. Nature on its own has solutions and remedies to all the problems created by humans. Cutting down trees became a way to accommodate building population, industrialization, and the need for more residences for the same; but as the period of progress comes so should the understanding and roadmap towards prosperity with evolution focusing more on co-existence and reinstating back the traditional knowledge of sustainability back to the newly developed spaces considering adoption of re-rooting old trees in right places or avoiding cutting. With the advent of climate change and extreme vulnerability in temperature conditions faced by all parts of the country along with rising climate disasters, it becomes necessary to uphold what is left and build on what we have made to survive what is going to come and protect our people and economy from going into obsolescence!- Shweta Sharma Iyer Bhatnagar, Manager Sustainability Services at TUV SUD. She has been working in Corporate Responsibility, ESG, and  sustainability domains across various industries focusing on awareness, Sensitisation, advisory, and certification

Urban plantations alongside roads and inside parks are very important. In colonies, eco fencing, trees along roads, gardens, parks, kitchen gardens, rooftop gardens, vertical gardens, and less tiling may reduce temperatures. We have to plant a lot of indigenous trees like Neem, bargad, peepal, amaltas, gulmohar, khirni, jamun etc. Don't plant palms or other English trees which do not belong to our soil. It is not too late- it is time for action. In most of the offices, private lawns, and even in the newly renovated Ayodhya a lot of palms, Areca palms, washingtoniya palm and eucalyptus have been planted. Those should be replaced by our indigenous Indian trees referred to in our epics and other Indian literature. Neem and peepal are best for greenery. We can develop neem, peepal, and bargad corridors. Parallel to this, excessive tiling should be avoided. Promote grasses and green buildings. We have to look into our architectural techniques with buildings having better ventilation and cooling effects. Huge dry buildings with no vertical gardens or greenery also add to the temperature increase as they reflect the heat as such during the time. Green plants are the best absorbers of heat.- Prof Amita Kanaujia, Department of Zoology, University of Lucknow

Topic of the month: Do you think development over green cover and open spaces is a good idea, especially when it is confined to highway constructions (like for kanwariya route) and industrialization bids? You may send your views (either in Hindi or English) in 300 words or more to [email protected]. Please also attach a colour photo of yourself.