Guidelines for Conservation, Development and Management of Urban Greens

Guidelines for conservation, development and management of Urban Greens

1. Background:

Cities and towns are emerging as centres of domestic and international investments where most

of the commercial activities take place. However. cit ies are facing a number of environmental

challenges including dwindling of tree/ green cover. Urban population in India has increased

from 17% in 1951 to 3 I % in 20 II and is expected to reach 55% by the year 2050.

Tree and forest cover are critical component of Urban & Peri-urban environment, which

moderate microclimate, enable ground water recharge, provide shade and conserve local

biodiversity, improve quality of life for city dwellers by pro viding recreational avenues. much

needed public space for better social cohesion, significant health benefits. aesthetics as well as

mitigating climate change. Urban forests like the Ridge Forest in Delhi not only act as green

lungs of the city but also provide highly valuable ecological and environmental services. Trees

on the roadsides often serve as a shelter/ resting place providing relief to the poor in harsh

climate. Green spaces in urban areas also serve as insurance against natural di asters. Tree

covers and urban greens significantly reduce the cost of management of urban areas as well as

positively impacts health of its residents. Trees as such are an important component of the

urban infrastructure as they provide significant amelioration against urban heat island effects

and flooding due to storm water I . The trees also serve as reservoir of urban biodiversity and

loss of trees adversely impacts biodiversity. The virtual extinction of the common sparrow from

cities' landscapes is a matter of serious concern.

2. Tree conservation in Urban areas:

Currently responsibility for development. protection and management of trees in urban areas

lies with numbcr of agencies like local bodies, revenue & forest departments etc. From a legal

perspective also, this space...