In a major push to enhance the city’s green cover and tackle air pollution, the Delhi government has announced plans to develop 17 new urban forests. These will comprise 15 “Namo Vans” (city forests) and 2 dense Miyawaki forests, together covering roughly 195 acres. Plantation is expected to begin from next month (November), or if delayed by climate, by February.
This initiative marks one of Delhi’s largest green drives in recent years, aligning with the capital’s broader mission to expand its forest cover, mitigate the urban heat island effect, and improve air quality.
According to officials, the Miyawaki sites — located in Kharkhari Jatmal (2.44 hectares) and Jainpur (4.54 hectares), both near Najafgarh — will feature over 3.5 lakh saplings of indigenous varieties. One of these forests is also expected to be named in honor of Guru Tegh Bahadur.
The 15 proposed Namo Vans will be developed across North and South Delhi, utilizing scattered patches of government-owned vacant land. Some of the major sites include:
- Satbari and Maidangarhi in South Delhi
- Shahpur Garhi, Alipur, Narela, and Barwala (Sector 32, Rohini)
- Pehladpur Bagar (Sector 30, Rohini)
- Mamurpur, G7 and G8 Narela, and other peripheral zones.
With this project, Delhi aims to raise its green cover from 23.6% to nearly 25% over the next few years — a significant leap for one of the world’s most polluted capitals. Officials believe this expansion of urban forests will not only beautify the city but also act as a natural shield against pollution and climate change.
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