Nagpur: Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is exploring measures to improve the city’s green cover, including greater citizen participation in tree plantation, a proposed ‘Dial for Tree’ helpline for sapling requests and recognition for green buildings.These suggestions emerged during a stakeholders’ meeting convened by municipal commissioner Vipin Itankar on Tuesday to discuss the implementation of recommendations made by CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) in its Environmental Status Report (ESR) 2024-25.NEERI has recommended that NMC Garden Department must increase tree diversity by prioritising native species suited to local climatic conditions and capable of withstanding future climate uncertainties. Special attention should be given to zones where tree diversity is inadequate.The institute has also recommended creating new urban green spaces in South Nagpur to ensure residents have access to a green space within 300 metres of their homes.NEERI has called for reviewing avenue plantations across different zones and wards, identifying areas deficient in greenery and allocating dedicated budgets for plantation and maintenance.It also recommended incorporating the 3-30-300 principle into urban planning policies. The principle advocates visibility of at least three trees from every home, 30% tree canopy cover in neighbourhoods and access to a green space within 300 metres.The recommendations also highlight the importance of community participation and promoting rooftop gardens and vertical greening in high-rise buildings.During the Oct 13 meeting, stakeholders suggested involving citizens more actively in greening initiatives. One proposal was to introduce a ‘Dial for Tree’ helpline through which residents could request saplings and seek support from the garden department for plantation activities.The suggestion aims to make tree plantation more accessible and encourage residents to take responsibility for improving greenery in their neighbourhoods. “Stakeholders also proposed recognising green buildings to encourage sustainable construction practices. Such recognition could incentivise owners and developers to adopt rooftop gardens, vertical greening and other environmentally friendly measures,” deputy municipal commissioner (garden dept) Ganesh Rathod told TOI.“NMC’s initiative to seek stakeholder suggestions is welcome, but regular interactions, proper follow-up and accountability are essential for better results. Future meetings should focus on specific projects, involve implementation teams and review action taken on earlier suggestions. The goal should be to collectively turn ideas into tangible improvements for Nagpur,” said environmentalist and Swachh Bharat ambassador Kaustav Chatterjee, who attended the meeting along with several alert citizens.
