Gujarat Cities Set 20% Green Cover Growth Target in 10 Years

Gujarat has approved a new urban greening policy that requires cities across the state to increase their green cover by at least 20% over the next 10 years.

The Gujarat Urban Greening Policy, 2026, will apply to all 169 urban local bodies, including 17 municipal corporations and 152 municipalities.

Formulated by the state’s Urban Development and Urban Housing Department, the policy will remain in force for a decade from November 2026 and will be reviewed every two years.

The initiative aims to make green infrastructure a more integrated part of urban planning, addressing concerns such as rising heat, air and noise pollution, stormwater management and access to recreational spaces.

Policy Covers All Urban Local Bodies

The policy extends beyond major cities to include municipalities across Gujarat.

Urban local bodies will be assessed on their efforts to expand and maintain green spaces, with performance linked to state-level monitoring and financial incentives.

High-performing urban local bodies will be eligible for additional state funding and priority access to grants.

Those that fall short of the prescribed standards will be required to take corrective measures. Cities scoring below 50% for two consecutive years will be placed on an improvement track under state-level monitoring.

Focus on Sapling Survival and Maintenance

The policy sets a minimum 80% survival target for planted saplings, placing emphasis on the maintenance of greenery rather than only the number of trees planted.

Payments for plantation projects will be linked to verified sapling survival and plant health over a minimum five-year period.

This approach is intended to ensure that plantation efforts are supported by sustained care and monitoring.

Green Infrastructure Beyond Tree Planting

The policy envisages an integrated network of green spaces, including urban forests, green belts, biodiversity parks, green corridors, roadside plantations and neighbourhood gardens.

These measures are intended to make greenery a more consistent feature of urban development.

With nearly 48% of Gujarat’s population living in urban areas, the state has identified green infrastructure as a component of city planning.

The policy’s focus includes environmental concerns as well as the need for accessible recreational spaces for residents.

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Implementation and Monitoring Framework

Urban greening cells will be established under parks and gardens departments of municipal corporations, urban development authorities and area development authorities.

The Gujarat Urban Development Mission will serve as the technical nodal agency for implementation.

The policy also links the performance of urban local bodies to the development and maintenance of green spaces.

Its 10-year duration and two-year review cycle provide a framework for monitoring progress towards the green-cover target.

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Key Takeaways

• Gujarat’s Urban Greening Policy, 2026, sets a target to increase city green cover by at least 20% over 10 years.
• The policy covers all 169 urban local bodies, including 17 municipal corporations and 152 municipalities.
• It sets a minimum 80% sapling-survival target and links plantation payments to verified plant health over at least five years.
• High-performing urban local bodies may receive additional state funding and priority access to grants.

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