Union Environment Minister, Prakash Javadekar launched the Urban Forest program on the occasion of World Environment Day on June 5, 2020. Mr. Javadekar emphasised on the need to promote Urban Forests, Nagar Van initiative through active public participation.
In the initial phase, under this program, 200 Urban Forests will be developed across the country in next five years with a renewed focus on people’s participation and collaboration between Forest Department, Municipal bodies, NGOs, Corporates and local citizens.
The Environment Minister highlighted the success of Wajre Urban forest in the city of Pune, Maharashtra which has been developed on a 40 acre degraded land area.
Mr. Javadekar said, despite all constraints, the country has managed to preserve around 8 per cent of the world’s biodiversity through its rich culture of worshipping and nurturing every aspect of mother nature.
In view of the prevalent situation due to COVID-19 pandemic the ministry held virtual celebrations of World Environment Day on this year’s theme with focus on Nagar Van (Urban Forests).
India has 8 percent of world’s biodiversity, despite having many constraint like only 2.5 % of the world’s landmass, has to carry 16% of human as well as cattle population and having only 4% of fresh water sources.
