UT green cover up 22% in 2 yrs

The green cover in the city, excluding the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, has increased by 22 per cent in two years. It has gone up from 37.88 sq km in 2021 to 46.18 sq km in 2023, according to the Indian State of Forest Report (ISFR).

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The Forest Survey of India (FSI), Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, carries out a survey of the forest and tree cover in the country biannually.

In an affidavit submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Navneet Kumar Srivastava, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Chandigarh, stated that as per the ISFR, the tree cover in Chandigarh in 2001was 2 sq km and it increased to 21.18 sq km in 2023.

Similarly, the forest cover went up from 13 sq km in 2001 to 25 sq km in 2023.

The area under forest in 2021 was 22.88 sq km. Similarly, the tree cover, which was 15 sq km in 2021, spread to 21.18 sq km in 2023.

Srivastava submitted that the forest cover and tree cover have gradually increased in the past years due to pro-active action taken by the UT Administration and other agencies in enhancing and protecting the forests and greenery in the city.

The Greening Chandigarh Action Plan (GCAP) is prepared every year by all agencies concerned such as the Forest Department, the horticulture wing of the Engineering Department, and the Municipal Corporation. An annual plantation target is set for all three departments.

The Department of Forest and Wildlife makes sustained efforts in improving the quality of the forest by planting indigenous species such as shisham, shahtoot, khair and babul. No exotic species are being planted for the past couple of years. Saplings are also distributed among residents free of cost.

The continuous engagement of the department with important stakeholders, including NGOs, RWAs, eco clubs, environmental societies, and the involvement of the media have played a crucial role not only in protecting the forests but also increasing the green cover.