Lucknow — In a major push to promote urban greenery and environmental sustainability, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched the Upvan Yojana, a transformative initiative aimed at converting old garbage dumps and unused urban spaces into lush green parks.
Under this scheme, the state plans to construct parks ranging from 2,000 square meters to 4,046 square meters (one acre) using advanced eco-techniques like the Miyawaki method for fast afforestation. The technique, which involves planting dense native forests in small areas, will be used to ensure that 75% of each park’s area is covered with trees.
Budget and Funding
The government has earmarked ₹70 crore for the Upvan Yojana in the 2025–2026 fiscal year, according to Amrit Abhijat, Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department. Each municipal body will bear the development cost, with municipal councils allocating between ₹20 lakh and ₹75 lakh, and municipal corporations contributing up to ₹3 crore for each park.
To meet the funding needs, civic bodies are encouraged to mobilize additional resources through:
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Swachh Bharat Mission funds
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AMRUT 2.0 (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation)
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Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding
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3% allocations from Central and State Finance Commissions (CFC & SFC)
Implementation Strategy
The primary focus of the project is the reclamation of old landfill sites and turning them into community green spaces. The development process includes:
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Proposal submission to a committee set up by the respective municipal corporation or council.
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Detailed Project Report (DPR) approval — in the case of corporations, the DPR goes directly to the state government; for councils, the district magistrate-led commission handles approval.
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Execution — Municipal corporations may develop parks directly with support from the forest department, while the forest department will lead the Miyawaki afforestation work for municipal councils.
Features of the New Parks
Apart from dense forestation, these parks will be designed with eco-friendly and wellness-oriented features, including:
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Therapeutic plant zones
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Children’s play areas
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Recreational facilities
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Walking and jogging tracks
A Greener Tomorrow
The Upvan Yojana is part of the Uttar Pradesh government’s broader agenda to fight pollution, increase green cover, and enhance the quality of life in both urban and rural areas. Officials say the initiative also ties in with national missions on climate resilience and urban beautification.
By reclaiming neglected landfills and repurposing them into vibrant public spaces, Uttar Pradesh is not only addressing its solid waste crisis but also paving the way for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable urban future.
