India’s Urban Forests Face Threat Amid Urbanisation

India’s Urban Forests Face Threat Amid Urbanisation

Why in the News ?

The Supreme Court reprimanded Telangana for clearing parts of Kancha Gachibowli, a key urban forest, for industrial use. This sparked wider concerns about urban deforestation, prompting reflection on the ecological and legal significance of preserving green spaces in cities.

About Ecological Role of Urban Forests:

  • Urban forests like Kancha Gachibowli, Aarey, and Turahalli are vital for combating air pollution, climate change, and urban flooding.
  • They absorb PM 2.5 and PM 10 pollutants, mitigating health hazards caused by vehicular emissions and construction dust.
  • The CPCB recorded Delhi’s AQI at 494 in Nov 2024, with other cities also showing poor air quality.
  • One hectare of trees can remove nearly 1 ton of pollutants, making urban forests crucial for public health.
  • Green spaces also foster biodiversity, ensuring the survival of urban wildlife and endangered species.

Judicial Interventions and Constitutional Backing

  • Courts have actively protected forests: e.g., Godavarman case (1996) broadened forest definitions.
  • Delhi HC (2015) protected the Ridge; SC (2020) stayed tree felling in Aarey.
  • Article 21 ensures the right to a healthy environment; Articles 48A & 51A(g) mandate environmental protection.
  • The SC’s direction to Telangana for restoring Kancha Gachibowli reflects judicial commitment to forest conservation.

Policy Efforts and Future Path

  • The Nagar Van Yojana (2020) aims to develop 1,000 urban forests by 2027.
  • So far, it has added 1,445.81 km² of green cover (India State of Forest Report 2023).
  • Such efforts, coupled with citizen activism, are key to preserving India’s urban ecology amid rapid urbanisation.
  • Urban forest preservation is crucial for mitigating climate change impacts and maintaining ecological balance in cities.

About Kancha Gachibowli Conflict:
● Location & Significance: Kancha Gachibowli is a biodiverse urban forest near University of Hyderabad, home to 730+ plant and 220+ bird species.
● Conflict: Telangana government plans to auction 400 acres for IT development, sparking protests by students, environmentalists, and civil society.
● Key Dilemmas:
○ Economic growth vs ecological loss (e.g. Hasdeo Arand mining).
○ Short-term gain vs long-term sustainability (e.g. Char Dham roads).
○ Human needs vs nature’s rights (e.g. hydropower impacts).
○ Tribal displacement vs national interest (e.g. Niyamgiri case).
○ Rapid policy vs ethical governance (e.g. EIA 2020 backlash).