Chandigarh: Punjab is set to develop 650 urban micro forests using Japanese forest development technology for the first time, as part of an ambitious initiative to increase green cover in cities and improve the urban environment.
The project is being implemented by the Punjab Forest Department with the objective of creating oxygen-rich green spaces in urban areas, improving air quality and supporting biodiversity restoration.
Under the initiative, small but dense forests will be developed in educational institutions, hospitals, industrial units and judicial complexes across the state.
300 Square Metre Micro Forests to Be Developed Across Punjab
Each urban micro forest will cover an area of around 300 square metres.
According to the plan, around 400 to 500 plants belonging to 35 to 40 different species will be planted in each micro forest.
The plants will be placed at very short distances from each other to create a dense forest ecosystem in a limited area.
The technique will help plants grow faster while creating a natural habitat for birds, insects and small animals.
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Japanese Technique to Create Dense Urban Green Zones
The special plantation method is based on the Japanese micro forest approach, which focuses on developing dense forests in small spaces.
Experts believe that such forests can help:
- Improve urban air quality.
- Reduce pollution levels.
- Increase biodiversity.
- Provide habitats for birds and small wildlife.
- Create cooler surroundings in cities.
The inclusion of fruit-bearing plants will also support local ecosystems.
District-Wise Targets Set for 650 Urban Micro Forests
The Punjab government has prepared district-wise targets for developing these micro forests.
The planned numbers include:
- Gurdaspur Division – 25 forests
- Amritsar – 48 forests
- Jalandhar – 82 forests
- Bathinda – 56 forests
- Muktsar – 42 forests
- Ferozepur – 41 forests
- Pathankot – 10 forests
- Dasuya – 38 forests
- Hoshiarpur – 53 forests
- Rupnagar – 34 forests
- Mohali – 23 forests
- Garhshankar – 40 forests
- Sangrur – 28 forests
- Patiala – 35 forests
- Mansa – 24 forests
- Ludhiana Division – 71 forests
The Forest Department has started identifying suitable locations for developing these green spaces.
Judicial Complexes Included in Green Initiative for the First Time
For the first time, judicial complexes have been included in a Punjab Forest Department plantation initiative.
Apart from educational institutions, hospitals and industrial areas, these locations will also be transformed into green zones to improve the surrounding environment.
Punjab to Develop 45 Sacred Forests in Rural and Semi-Urban Areas
Along with urban micro forests, the Punjab government will also develop 45 sacred forests across rural and semi-urban areas.
Each sacred forest will be developed over approximately 1.5 hectares of land.
Around 400 plants will be planted in each sacred forest, which will gradually develop into dense natural forest areas.
Over 88,000 Additional Trees to Be Planted Across the State
The government has also planned large-scale plantation drives outside the micro forest project.
Around 43,300 plants will be planted within municipal limits of cities.
The highest plantation target within urban local body areas has been set for Muktsar Division, where around 4,000 plants will be planted.
Additionally, around 45,500 plants will be planted along roads outside municipal boundaries, covering stretches of up to five kilometres on both sides.
The highest plantation targets under this category include:
- Rupnagar Division – 4,000 plants
- Dasuya Division – 4,000 plants
- Jalandhar Division – 4,000 plants
- Ferozepur Division – 4,000 plants
Initiative Aims to Build Sustainable Urban Ecosystem
The Punjab government’s urban micro forest project aims to create sustainable green infrastructure in cities where open land availability is limited.
By combining Japanese plantation technology with large-scale tree plantation programmes, the state hopes to improve environmental conditions, increase green cover and develop healthier urban spaces for residents.
The initiative is expected to play an important role in climate resilience, pollution control and biodiversity conservation across Punjab.
