Green policy of Gujarat
Gandhinagar : Gujarat govt has approved Gujarat Urban Greening Policy, 2026, setting a target for all cities to increase their green cover by at least 20% over the next 10 years. The policy, formulated by urban development and urban housing department, will cover all 169 ULBs in the state, including 17 municipal corporations and 152 municipalities. The policy will remain in force for 10 years from Nov 2026, with a review every two years, govt said on Friday. Cities scoring below 50% for two consecutive years will be placed on an improvement track under state-level monitoring. The policy makes long-term maintenance a key component of urban greening, setting a minimum 80% survival target for planted saplings. Officials said that with nearly 48% of Gujarat’s population living in urban areas, the policy seeks to make green infrastructure an integral part of urban planning, addressing rising heat, air and noise pollution, stormwater management, and the need for accessible recreational spaces.
Govt said high-performing ULBs will be eligible for additional state funding and priority access to grants, while those falling short will be required to take corrective measures. Gujarat Urban Development Mission will serve as the technical nodal agency, govt said. Financial incentives for urban local bodies (ULBs) have been linked to their performance in developing and maintaining green spaces. Moving beyond conventional tree-planting drives, the policy envisages an integrated network of urban forests, green belts, biodiversity parks, green corridors, roadside plantations, and neighbourhood gardens. Payments for plantation projects will be linked to verified survival and plant health over a minimum five-year period. For implementation, urban greening cells will be established under parks and gardens departments of municipal corporations, urban development authorities, and area development authorities.