CHANDIGARH, August 5 — With sustained conservation and afforestation drives, Chandigarh’s forest cover has grown by 2.97 sq km over four years, rising from 22.03 sq km in 2019 to 25 sq km in 2023, according to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) tabled in the Lok Sabha.
Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written reply, informed Parliament that the net increase in the city’s forest cover is attributed to proactive ecological efforts and improved green governance in the Union Territory.
The assessment, conducted by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), Dehradun, uses remote sensing technology and is supported by extensive ground verification and field data through the National Forest Inventory. FSI publishes the India State of Forest Report biennially.
Officials said the city’s green footprint has nearly doubled over the past two decades — from 13 sq km in 2001 to 25 sq km in 2023. They credit the steady rise to focused conservation, afforestation with native species, and community engagement.
“No exotic species have been planted in recent years. The focus has remained on indigenous trees such as shisham, shahtoot, khair, and babul to maintain ecological balance and biodiversity,” said a senior forest department official.
The Department of Forest and Wildlife has worked closely with NGOs, RWAs, eco clubs, environmental societies, and the media to boost public participation and awareness. Officials said this inclusive approach has not only improved the quality of existing forests but also contributed to an increase in trees outside forest areas — a key metric in the ISFR report.
The momentum was visible during the Van Mahotsav celebrations on July 5, when UT Administrator and Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria led a massive plantation campaign. A record 1,17,836 saplings were planted in a single day across 318 locations, overshooting the initial target of 1,05,874 saplings at 253 sites.
From parks and road dividers to school campuses and residential sectors, the city came alive with volunteers, officials, students, and citizens participating in the green push. The Governor himself planted saplings at 23 different locations across the city.
Chandigarh, often dubbed the City Beautiful, is emerging as a model for urban afforestation and ecological planning. With continued focus on sustainable planting, protection of green zones, and public participation, officials hope to further increase the city’s forest cover and enhance its environmental resilience.
“This growth is not just in square kilometres — it’s a reflection of the city’s growing environmental consciousness,” said an official of the forest department.
