To address the growing environmental concerns due to the rising urban population, Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development and Housing Department, Sanjay Shukla, emphasized the urgent need for increasing green spaces in cities through public participation. Speaking at the workshop on Amrit Harit Maha Abhiyan, held at Rabindra Bhavan, Bhopal, Shukla urged that along with extensive plantation efforts, there should also be a strong commitment to the protection and maintenance of newly planted trees.
The workshop was aimed at promoting the expansion of green areas in urban regions and encouraging initiatives for environmental conservation. Representatives from all urban bodies participated in the event, which focused on enhancing the environmental landscape of Madhya Pradesh’s urban centers.
Shukla stressed that cities should dedicate about 20 to 25 percent of their total area to green spaces and that plantations should be strategically carried out around government buildings, schools, and colleges. He suggested planting trees with deep-rooted cultural significance, such as Mango, Jamun, Peepal, and Neem, which are well-suited to the local conditions. Furthermore, he urged the creation of an incentive mechanism to recognize urban bodies that excel in this green initiative.
One Crore Plantation Programme
Urban Administration and Development Commissioner, Sanket Bhondwe, shared details of the ambitious one crore plantation program designed for this year’s rainy season across all urban bodies in the state. He highlighted that public participation is critical to the success of this initiative. The commissioner also proposed the preparation of a three-year action plan to ensure the protection and survival of the planted trees.
Bhondwe outlined specific goals for various urban bodies, with plans for one lakh plantations in Nagar Parishads (Town Councils), five lakh in Nagar Palikas (Municipalities), and 15 to 20 lakh in Nagar Nigams (Municipal Corporations). In industrial areas like Pithampur, a plantation target of 11 lakh has been set for this rainy season, with similar plans being developed for Mandideep and other industrial zones.
Subject Experts Share Insights
The workshop also featured valuable insights from subject experts. Additional Commissioner Kailash Wankhede and Dr. Yogesh Dube from IIFM provided information on managing blue-green infrastructure in urban settings. Ramratan from EPCO discussed climate change and its impact on urban areas, while Saurabh Popli of SPA Bhopal spoke on integrating green systems into urban environments. Additional Commissioner Ms. Tina Yadav covered environmental protection-related laws, and Chief Engineer Pradeep Mishra presented strategies for developing urban forests.
Films focusing on Divyang Park and modern parks in Chhindwara were screened during the event. Additionally, an exhibition was held at the Rabindra Bhavan campus, where fertilizers, seeds, improved plant varieties, and agricultural tools were displayed and sold.
This exhibition attracted a large number of citizens, underscoring the importance of community involvement in the state’s greening efforts.
The workshop successfully brought together experts, government officials, and citizens to collectively work towards building a greener and more sustainable urban future for Madhya Pradesh.