Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Approves Green Policy to Enhance Sustainable Urban Development

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has endorsed a policy to encourage sustainable growth in urban areas by establishing parks and gardens and utilising eco-friendly materials. This Urban Green Policy, introduced by the Urban Development Department, will unfold in three stages. The initiative aims to foster eco-friendly practices within urban local bodies.

A Green City Monitoring System will be established to assess and award Green Star ratings to cities based on their environmental initiatives and green infrastructure. This system will help track progress and incentivise cities to enhance their green efforts. The policy seeks to mitigate climate change effects in urban regions through various green projects.

Green Infrastructure Focus

Vertical gardens, rooftop gardens, and Miyawaki forests are among the projects promoted under this initiative. The implementation will follow a three-tier approach, starting at the city level, then moving to neighbourhoods, and finally focusing on individual buildings. This structured approach ensures comprehensive coverage of urban areas.

At the city level, dense mini-forests will be developed using the Miyawaki method, which accelerates the growth of green spaces. This method is known for its efficiency in creating lush green areas quickly. These efforts aim to enhance urban greenery significantly.

Building-Level Initiatives

New constructions will need to adhere to green building standards at the building level. These standards emphasise using eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies, and incorporating green roofs. Such measures are expected to reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability in urban development.

The policy's first phase, from 2025 to 2027, will concentrate on smart cities and major metropolitan areas. In this initial stage, efforts will be directed towards regions with significant urban infrastructure. This focus aims to set a precedent for other areas to follow.

Phased Implementation Strategy

The second phase, spanning 2027 to 2030, will extend the policy's reach to cities with populations exceeding one lakh. This expansion ensures that larger urban centres also benefit from sustainable practices. The final phase, commencing after 2030, will encompass all municipalities and nagar panchayats.

This comprehensive strategy ensures that all urban areas in Uttar Pradesh gradually adopt eco-friendly practices. By covering different types of urban settlements over time, the policy aims for widespread adoption of sustainable development principles.

The Urban Green Policy represents a significant step towards addressing environmental challenges in urban settings. By promoting green infrastructure and sustainable practices, it seeks to create healthier and more resilient cities across Uttar Pradesh.

With inputs from PTI