Context: The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved the Urban Green Policy, which is designed to promote sustainable and environmentally friendly development in urban areas.
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- Under the policy, a ‘Green City Monitoring System’ will be created to assess cities’ environmental initiatives and green infrastructure, awarding them ‘Green Star’ ratings to recognize their commitment to sustainability.
- To combat the impact of climate change in urban areas, the policy encourages the creation of vertical gardens, rooftop gardens, and Miyawaki forests (a rapid afforestation technique).
- The policy aims to take significant measures to lessen climate change effects and safeguard the environment.
- Implementation will follow a three-tiered approach, targeting interventions at the city, neighbourhood, and building levels:
- City Level: Creation of dense Miyawaki mini-forests, green belts, low-emission zones, sponge parks for rainwater management, and special green fairs to boost environmental awareness.
- Neighbourhood Level: There will be initiatives to create pocket parks, establish community gardens, and implement adopt-a-park programs.
- Building Level: New constructions must comply with green building standards by using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies, and incorporating green roofs for improved insulation and greenery.
- The policy will receive funding from multiple central and state government programs, including AMRUT 2.0, the National Clean Air Programme, and grants provided by the Central and State Finance Commissions.
- The urban local bodies can generate funds through their own revenue streams, CSR contributions, and other sources.
- Aims of the Initiave:
- Tree planting drives will be conducted in schools, offices, and various organizations.
- The government will promote the development of rooftop and vertical gardens.
- To raise awareness, green fairs, workshops, and flower festivals will be organized throughout the state.
- The cities will be rated based on their green cover and efforts and will be classified as ‘Green City’, ‘Green +’, ‘Green ++’, or ‘Green +++’.
- Deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits—creating safe play areas, promoting environmental awareness, strengthening communities, increasing property values, and lowering energy costs.
- To ensure, monitoring by local authorities, the state government, and independent organizations for timely and effective improvements in green spaces.
- To award the highest-rated city the title of ‘Ultimate Green City’.
- The policy will be rolled out in three phases:
- Phase 1 (2025–2027): Focus on smart cities and major metro areas.
- Phase 2 (2027–2030): Extend to cities with populations over 1 lakh.
- Phase 3 (Post-2030): Cover all municipalities and nagar panchayats.