UP's Urban Forest Drive Targets Kanpur and Lucknow

Uttar Pradesh is starting a first-of-its-kind green infrastructure project to create small forests throughout important cities including Lucknow, Kanpur, and Prayagraj in an effort to cool hot urban areas. This initiative is part of the state's broader efforts to increase green cover, improve air quality, and provide residents with accessible natural spaces.

For the 2025–2026 fiscal year, the state government has set aside ₹70 crore under the Upvan Scheme to create urban mini-forests. The 17 municipal corporations have been given permission to spend up to 3 crore each to establish 2,000 square metre green spaces inside their borders. The purpose of these green areas is to lower surface temperatures and encourage environmentally friendly urban growth.

In places like Lucknow, Kanpur, and Prayagraj, urban forests are being established using the Miyawaki method, a Japanese technology that is renowned for producing thick and quickly developing trees. By reducing surface temperatures, this strategy not only improves biodiversity but also helps cool urban areas.

The state has developed 351 'Nagar Vatika' and 'Nandan Van' across 14 cities, covering a total area of 722 hectares. These urban parks are designed to provide residents with recreational spaces amidst greenery, promoting environmental awareness and improving the quality of urban life.

The Uttar Pradesh government is developing an Urban Cooling Policy in partnership with organisations such as Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) and the Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC). In order to efficiently control urban heat, this policy emphasises expanding green spaces, improving water features, and installing cool surfaces.