Bhopal is set to undergo a transformative shift towards sustainable urban living with the launch of the ₹750 crore Chief Minister Urban Development Scheme (Mukhyamantri Nagariya Vikas Yojana).
This ambitious five-year initiative aims to enhance green cover, promote eco-friendly infrastructure, and foster an environmentally resilient cityscape. A key feature of the scheme is the emphasis on urban afforestation, with the government allocating up to ₹2.50 crore for the development of each city forest. Urban bodies across Madhya Pradesh have been invited to submit proposals for the creation of city forests, with a grant of ₹10 lakh per acre provided to support these projects. This financial backing is designed to incentivise municipalities to actively participate in greening their urban areas, contributing to biodiversity conservation and improving air quality. Officials from the Urban Development and Housing Department highlighted that the scheme is part of the broader vision to create eco-friendly, zero net carbon cities. By integrating green spaces within urban planning, the government aims to address challenges related to climate change, urban heat islands, and ecological degradation.
In parallel, the state government has launched the Mukhyamantri Jan Sahbhagita Nirman Yojana, another ₹750 crore scheme focused on enhancing urban infrastructure. This initiative prioritises citizen-centric projects, with annual grants of ₹5 crore allocated to municipal corporations, ₹1 crore to municipalities, and ₹25 crore to municipal councils. The scheme promotes a 50:50 funding model, encouraging public participation alongside state government support. The infrastructure programme focuses on sustainable construction practices, including cement concrete development, advanced sewerage systems, and efficient waste management solutions. These projects are not only aimed at improving urban living standards but also at reducing the environmental footprint of urban expansion.
In a significant move towards clean energy, the Urban Development and Housing Department has also announced plans to convert 80% of government vehicles into electric vehicles (EVs). Bhopal, along with Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior, and Ujjain, is designated as an EV Model City. To support this transition, fast-charging infrastructure is being established, with facilities planned every 20 km within cities and at 100 km intervals along highways. The E-vehicle policy’s implementation aligns with the state’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy solutions. Experts believe that this initiative will not only curb pollution but also set a precedent for sustainable transport solutions across other urban centres in the state.
Under the E-bus Sewa scheme, efforts are underway to operate 552 electric buses in six cities, including Bhopal and Indore. This move is expected to significantly reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, improve air quality, and promote energy efficiency within urban transport systems. The central government’s Urban Affairs Ministry has already approved proposals related to EV depots and charging infrastructure in key cities, underscoring the collaborative effort between state and central authorities to advance sustainable urban mobility. Urban planning experts have lauded these initiatives, emphasizing the importance of integrating environmental sustainability into urban development strategies. They argue that such comprehensive schemes not only address immediate infrastructural needs but also contribute to long-term ecological balance and climate resilience.
Furthermore, these projects are expected to create substantial employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, through construction activities, maintenance of green spaces, and operation of EV-related infrastructure. This socio-economic impact aligns with the broader goal of fostering inclusive growth and equitable urban development. As Bhopal embarks on this ambitious journey, the focus remains firmly on creating a city that balances rapid urbanisation with environmental stewardship. The ₹750 crore schemes reflect a commitment to building a future where urban growth is sustainable, inclusive, and environmentally responsible.
With green cover expansion, clean energy adoption, and smart infrastructure at the core of its strategy, Bhopal is poised to become a model city for sustainable urban living in India.
Bhopal Launches Rs 750 Crore Green Development Scheme
