Uttar Pradesh, a state increasingly confronted by the adverse impacts of climate change, is embarking on a pioneering initiative to mitigate the burgeoning urban heat island (UHI) effect within its major cities.
Through its newly launched ‘Upvan Scheme’, the state government has strategically allocated ₹70 crore to facilitate the creation of mini forests across 17 municipal corporations. This progressive move, driven by alarming findings from the UP State Disaster Management Authority (UPSDMA), signals a critical shift towards climate-resilient urban planning, aiming to foster zero net carbon, eco-friendly, and sustainable cities where all citizens can thrive amidst escalating temperatures. The ‘Upvan Scheme’ directly responds to a stark warning issued by the UPSDMA in July 2024, which highlighted the worsening UHI effect in urban centres such as Lucknow, Kanpur, and Prayagraj, primarily due to relentless rapid urbanisation. The report urgently called for immediate, impactful measures, including the establishment of extensive green spaces and the adoption of sustainable urban planning principles, to counteract extreme heat conditions. The urban heat island phenomenon, where metropolitan areas experience significantly warmer temperatures than surrounding rural locales, particularly during summer days and nights, is a direct consequence of human activities and city design altering the natural environment. This includes the prevalence of heat-absorbing concrete and asphalt, diminished green cover, and heat generated by vehicular traffic and industrial processes.
Under the new scheme, each of the 17 designated municipal corporations is slated to receive up to ₹3 crore to develop green zones spanning approximately 2,000 square metres. A pivotal aspect of the ‘Upvan Scheme’ is its prioritisation of Miyawaki forests, a highly effective dense planting technique. This method, renowned for its accelerated growth rate and biodiversity, has been scientifically proven to significantly lower surface temperatures within urban landscapes, offering a tangible solution to the UHI challenge. The strategic selection of this technique underscores a commitment to evidence-based interventions for environmental amelioration. To ensure optimal impact and resource allocation, state officials will leverage advanced GIS mapping and thermal data to meticulously identify high-risk zones within the urban fabric. This data-driven approach is crucial for targeting areas most susceptible to the UHI effect, thereby maximising the cooling benefits of the newly established green spaces. A state representative highlighted that this is a “crucial step toward climate-resilient cities,” emphasising the long-term vision behind the initiative. The allocation of funds, set for disbursement in the 2025-26 fiscal year, marks a landmark moment as it represents Uttar Pradesh’s first dedicated budget specifically earmarked for urban cooling strategies.
This proactive investment by the Uttar Pradesh government serves as a model for other states grappling with similar environmental challenges. By strategically integrating nature-based solutions like mini forests into urban development plans, cities can effectively mitigate the impacts of climate change, improve air quality, enhance biodiversity, and provide much-needed green spaces for public recreation and well-being. Such initiatives are fundamental to creating equitable cities where access to green infrastructure is universal, contributing to better public health outcomes and fostering a higher quality of life for all residents, irrespective of their socio-economic standing. The ‘Upvan Scheme’ goes beyond merely planting trees; it represents a comprehensive shift in urban governance towards integrating ecological considerations with infrastructural development. It showcases a commitment to building sustainable habitats that can withstand future climate shocks, while simultaneously improving the liveability of the present urban environment. The success of these mini forests in Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj, and other districts will be closely watched as Uttar Pradesh positions itself at the forefront of India’s green urban transformation, championing a future of cooler, healthier, and more vibrant cities.
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