Why in the News?
The Kancha Gachibowli forest in Hyderabad, a rare green space in the city, became the centre of a major legal and environmental fight when the Telangana government planned to turn 400 acres of it into an industrial area.
What is the significance of urban forests like Kancha Gachibowli in Indian cities?
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Why did the Telangana government face criticism for its decision regarding Kancha Gachibowli?
- Threat to Urban Forest Land: The government decided to allocate 400 acres of Kancha Gachibowli forest for industrial development, risking the loss of one of Hyderabad’s last urban forests. Eg: This move put 100 acres of trees at risk, which were actually felled before intervention.
- Allegations of Ignoring Public Concerns: The government claimed ownership over the forest and accused protesting students of being misled by real estate interests, downplaying genuine environmental concerns. Eg: Students and activists protested to protect the forest but were dismissed by the state government.
- Judicial Reprimand for Environmental Damage: The Supreme Court took notice of the deforestation and reprimanded the Telangana government, highlighting the environmental insensitivity of the decision. Eg: The court ordered action after 100 acres were cut down, signaling the need to protect urban green spaces.
How do urban forests help in improving the environment and public health in cities?
- Mitigate Pollution and Improve Air Quality: Urban forests sequester carbon and absorb pollutants like PM 2.5 and PM 10, which are major causes of air pollution in cities. Eg: One hectare of trees can remove around one ton of air pollutants annually, helping reduce Delhi’s alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 494.
- Reduce Urban Heat Island Effect: Trees provide shade and cooling, lowering temperatures in concrete-heavy urban areas and combating the urban heat island effect caused by extensive construction and vehicle emissions. Eg: Cities like Bengaluru and Chennai with more green cover experience less extreme heat compared to heavily built-up areas.
- Control Stormwater and Prevent Flooding: Urban forests help manage stormwater runoff, reduce soil erosion, and prevent flooding, thus protecting urban infrastructure and residents. Eg: Urban green spaces reduce flood risks during heavy rains by absorbing excess water, unlike paved surfaces which increase runoff.
What role have judicial interventions played in protecting urban forests in India?
- Broadened Legal Protection: The Supreme Court’s Godavarman case (1996) expanded the definition of forests, mandating all States to identify and map forest areas, including urban forests, thereby bringing them under legal protection. Eg: In 2004, the apex court directed States to conduct a comprehensive forest inventory to enhance conservation efforts.
- Prevented Tree Felling through Stay Orders: Courts have intervened to stop indiscriminate tree felling in urban areas when public protests or petitions were filed, safeguarding ecologically significant areas. Eg: In 2020, the Supreme Court issued a stay on the tree felling in Aarey Forest, Mumbai, after public outcry and legal petitions.
- Ensured Government Accountability: Judicial interventions have held governments accountable for environmentally insensitive development and upheld the Right to a Healthy Environment under Article 21. Eg: In 2024, the Supreme Court reprimanded the Telangana government for felling trees in Kancha Gachibowli, directing restoration efforts.
What is the goal of the Nagar Van Yojana?The Nagar Van Yojana, launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in 2020, aims to:
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Way forward:
- Legally Safeguard Urban Forests: Enact clear legal protections for urban forests like Kancha Gachibowli by integrating them into city master plans and forest laws to prevent diversion for non-forest use.
- Strengthen Community Participation: Empower local communities and civic bodies to co-manage and monitor urban forests through citizen-led initiatives, ensuring long-term conservation and accountability.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2015] “Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so?
Linkage: The Urban forests can serve as a safeguard against toxic urban air by absorbing pollutants. This question focuses on the critical issue of urban air pollution, highlighting the need for mechanisms like urban forests to improve air quality.
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