- In the next 5 years, modern city forests will be developed, plants will be monitored by geo-tagging and QR codes,
- funds will also be collected from public participation and CSR funds in the ratio of 50:50, theme-based parks will be created
The state government has taken an ambitious step to make the cities of Madhya Pradesh clean, beautiful and pollution free. *”NAMO HARIT-NAGAR SCHEME”* will be implemented by the Department of Urban Development and Housing for the next 5 years with a budget of *₹100 Crore*. The main objective of the scheme is to increase greenery in urban areas, develop the lying areas as parks and develop beautiful ‘Nagar One’ (Urban Forest).
- Main attraction and impact of the scheme
Hi-Tech Monitoring: Modern technologies like QR code, GIS mapping and geo-tagging will be used for 100% monitoring of safety and growth of planted plants.
Scientific Approach: Selection of plants suited to the local weather and soil of the cities will be done. Priority will be given to saving flood trees, rain water harvesting and planting trees on the banks of water sources for water conservation.
Theme Based Urban Forests : These urban forests will be developed on special themes to connect citizens with nature. Panchavati, Nakshatra Van, Aushadhi Vatika, Oxygen Park, Titli Park and Yoga-Wellness Park are prominent among them.
Public Participation (50:50 Model): The special feature of the scheme is that public and corporates have also been included in it. Municipal bodies will have to raise an amount equal to the amount given by the government through public participation, self help groups, NGOs and companies’ *CSR fund*.
- Municipal bodies will get financial assistance in three installments
The state government will release the amount in three installments to the municipal bodies for smooth implementation of the scheme. The five major metros of the state (Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur and Ujjain) will be given financial assistance up to a maximum of ₹5 crore. In addition, ₹1.20 crore will be provided to 11 Municipal Corporations, ₹30 lakh to 98 Municipal Corporations and ₹10 lakh* to 299 Municipal Councils. 3 percent of this entire scheme will be spent on administrative arrangements and its extensive publicity work.
- The hills of Bhopal will become a beautiful public park
Under the ‘Amrit Harit Maha Abhiyan’, the exercise of putting the scheme on the ground has already started.Commissioner of Urban Development and Housing Department Mr. Sanket Bhondve and Commissioner of Bhopal Municipal Corporation Ms.Sanskrit Jain jointly inspected the barren hills from Chinar Park to Bhadbhada Gate in Judicial Academy area.
Commissioner Mr. Bhondve directed the officials to convert the land into proper public parks in a scientific manner rather than limiting it to plantation only. Walking tracks, nature trails and basic amenities will be developed at these sites for citizens to spend quality time here. This visionary initiative of the government will prove to be a milestone in controlling the increasing pollution in cities and giving a healthy, green environment to the coming generations.
