Gujarat Commits to Green Future: One Percent of Land Reserved for Urban Forests in Town Planning
In a bold move aimed at combating climate change and enhancing urban livability, the Gujarat government has announced plans to reserve one percent of land in all future town planning schemes across the state for developing urban forests.
Addressing the inaugural session of the two-day ITPI-GRC western zone conference on “Urbanisation and Economic Development – Enabling Livability in Cities,” Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel emphasized the critical role of increasing green cover in mitigating global warming.
“We have decided that in every town planning undertaken in the near future, one percent of the land will be dedicated to urban forests. This measure underscores our commitment to bolstering greenery as a solution to climate change,” stated Chief Minister Patel.
Highlighting past criticisms of tree removal during infrastructure projects, Patel stressed the importance of balancing development with environmental conservation. “The development plans for our cities must ensure adequate space for the environment,” he asserted, drawing on his experience as a former real estate developer.
Patel articulated a vision where cities are not merely livable but “lovable,” emphasizing sustainability as a foundational principle. “Sustainability must remain at the core of our urban planning efforts,” he affirmed.
Referencing shifting monsoon patterns, Patel underscored the vulnerability of urban areas to extreme weather events. “No matter how well-planned our urban designs are, they are ineffective during heavy downpours,” he cautioned, highlighting the need for resilient infrastructure.
The initiative to reserve land for urban forests marks Gujarat’s commitment to integrating nature into urban landscapes, aiming to improve air quality, foster biodiversity, and create healthier living environments for residents.
This forward-thinking approach aligns with global efforts to build sustainable cities capable of withstanding the challenges posed by climate change, setting Gujarat on a path towards a greener and more resilient future.