A Case for urban greens

Abstract

Urban population of the world is increasing faster than rural population so that share of urban population in total global population is increasing. While in 2014, 54 % of world population was urban; by 2050, it is expected to be 66%. In India also urban population is increasing at a rapid rate. During 2011 Census, for the first time, total urban population added was more than the rural population added during the decade. With a decadal growth rate of 31.80% Indian urban population reached to 31.16% of total population in 2011. Indian urban population is expected to reach 80 crore by 2050 from 37.1 cr as per 2011 census. Rapid urbanization is leading to major social and economic changes, with repercussions in every sector including on environment. Urban/peri-urban forestry offers various potential benefits such as neutralizing the adverse ecological effects of rapid urbanization, improving the living environment in urban areas through climatic modification and control of air and noise pollution, landscape enhancement, recreation, education and general wellbeing, catchment areas for urban water supplies etc. However, greening is hardly a priority during rapid urbanization and often older greens have to be sacrificed at the altar of development. We need to integrate planning for development and maintenance of urban greens into overall urban planning for these benefits. The policy memo explores the technical financial, human and institutional resources required to achieve these objective from the successful green experiences in India e.g. Delhi, Chandigarh, Gandhinagar etc as well as the world. The issue of land for tree plantation and vertical greening and other approaches in case of scarcity of land has been discussed. Recommendations on improving upon present command and control approach to regulation has been given alongwith alternative approaches to regulation. Greening projects are often marred by inadequacy of funds. Alternative financing arrangements have been recommended. Since involving people helps in developing better constituency for greening, avenues to involve people have been explored. Finally, bringing an urban forestry policy has been suggested.