Latest news with #NagarVanYojana
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Min launches agri campaign in Rengali
Sambalpur: Union education minister on Monday launched the 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' in Rengali, Sambalpur. The initiative will deploy over 2,000 agricultural scientists across more than 700 districts, targeting direct engagement with 1.5 crore farmers to share advanced farming techniques and information about govt schemes. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Sambalpur, blessed with the Mahanadi river and Hirakud reservoir, has immense agricultural potential," Pradhan said at the launch event. "This campaign will revolutionise farming practices across crops, horticulture, dairy, poultry and fisheries sectors." The programme includes comprehensive support for farmers, with plans to enhance irrigation infrastructure and establish cold storage facilities. Special emphasis will be placed on increasing potato and pulse production, while efforts will be made to facilitate international market access for local produce, including Sambalpur's mangoes. As part of the launch, Pradhan flagged off a 'Krishi Rath' to spread awareness and distributed soil health cards and Ayushman Bharat health cards to farmers. He also promoted the 'Nagar Van Yojana' initiative for environmental protection through urban forestry. "This joint Centre-state initiative represents our commitment to agricultural transformation," Pradhan added. The event saw participation from key officials, including Sambalpur collector SB Bondar, IG (northern range) Himanshu Lal, and SP Mukesh Bhamoo, local farmers and community leaders.
India Gazette
28-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan requests Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to consider establishment of terminal market complex in Sambhalpur
New Delhi [India], May 28 (ANI): Union Minister and Lok Sabha MP from Sambalpur, Dharmendra Pradhan, met Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday and requested his consideration for the establishment of a Terminal Market Complex in Sambalpur. In a post on X, Pradhan wrote that the establishment would serve as a transformative step in strengthening horticulture value chains, improving farmer incomes, reducing post-harvest losses, and providing a modern market ecosystem for the region. 'Met my senior colleague Shri @ChouhanShivraj ji who is working assiduously to improve the lives of our farmers. Requested his kind consideration for the establishment of a Terminal Market Complex in Sambalpur. This will serve as a transformative step in strengthening horticulture value chains, improving farmer incomes, reducing post-harvest losses and providing a modern market ecosystem for the region,' the post read. Earlier today, Pradhan met the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav to discuss several environmental issues related to his Lok Sabha Constituency of Sambalpur, Odisha. Member of Parliament (MP) from Sambalpur, Dharmendra Pradhan, requested the intervention of the Environment Minister in the expansion and upgradation of Sambalpur Zoo to the 'Medium Zoo' category. This expansion would facilitate the induction of new species and the development of educational and research facilities. He also urged for Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary to get the Tiger Reserve status, which will promote tiger conservation in the region and give a boost to tourism. Dharmendra Pradhan also requested the Environment Minister Yadav's attention to the urgent need for the development of Nagar Vans in the industrial belt of Sambalpur-Jharsuguda-Brajrajnagar, the coal belt of Angul-Dhenkanal, and the heat-affected region of Titilagarh-Bolangir of Odisha under the Nagar Van Yojana (NVY).In alignment with the Government's vision of 'One Earth, Many Efforts,' as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the establishment of Nagar Vans in urban clusters is aimed at ensuring environmental sustainability and community well-being. In June 2022, PM Modi launched the 'Lifestyle for the Environment - LiFE Movement' with the vision of 'One Earth, Many Efforts'. The Nagar Van Yojana was launched by the Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2020, with an aim to develop 400 Nagar Vans and 200 Nagar Vatikas. The objective of the scheme is to enhance the tree outside forests and green cover, enhancement of biodiversity and ecological benefits to the urban and peri-urban areas. In September 2024, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted the creation of 3,776 hectares of Nagar Van and Vatikas under the scheme in 64 National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities with Rs 142 crore sanctioned, encouraging other cities to utilise this scheme to develop green spaces. (ANI)
United News of India
28-05-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Odisha: Pradhan urges Yadav to develop Industrial, coal, heat-affected areas as urban forests
Bhubaneswar, May 28 (UNI) Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has urged Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, to take immediate steps to develop urban forests under the 'Nagar Van Yojana' (NBY) in Odisha's industrial, coal mining, and heat-affected regions. During a meeting with Yadav in New Delhi on Wednesday, Pradhan proposed the development of urban forests in the industrial belt of Sambalpur–Jharsuguda–Brajrajnagar, the coal mining areas of Angul–Dhenkanal, and the heat-prone regions of Titilagarh and Balangir under the NBY initiative. Pradhan also sought Yadav's personal intervention to develop the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary as part of a tiger reserve, alongside the proposed expansion of the Sambalpur Zoo. In his letter to the Environment Minister, Pradhan noted that the above-mentioned regions are experiencing extreme heat as a result of climate change, which is adversely impacting public health. He praised the Ministry's Urban Forest Scheme, designed to support the development of green spaces in areas managed by municipal corporations, councils, and urban local bodies (ULBs). Aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'One Earth, Many Efforts' vision, Pradhan emphasised that the establishment of urban forests would significantly contribute to environmental sustainability and the overall well-being of communities. Highlighting the Prime Minister's call for "Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)", Pradhan reiterated the importance of both individual and collective action in addressing climate challenges. He also proposed the launch of a massive public awareness campaign to encourage community participation in tree plantation drives and environmental education, timed with World Environment Day on June 5. According to Pradhan, this initiative would act as a catalyst for widespread implementation of the Urban Forest Scheme in Odisha's vulnerable regions. He urged Yadav to prioritise the creation of urban forests in the identified clusters to provide a sustainable and natural solution to combat the intensifying heat waves through large-scale afforestation. UNI DP ARN
India Gazette
28-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan meets Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav to discuss zoo, Nagar Vans in Sambalpur
New Delhi [India], May 28 (ANI): Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav to discuss several environmental issues related to his Lok Sabha constituency of Sambalpur, Odisha. Member of Parliament (MP) from Sambalpur, Dharmendra Pradhan, requested the intervention of the Environment Minister in the expansion and upgradation of Sambalpur Zoo to the 'Medium Zoo' category. This expansion would facilitate the induction of new species and the development of educational and research facilities. He also urged for Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary to get the Tiger Reserve status, which will promote tiger conservation in the region and give a boost to tourism. Dharmendra Pradhan also requested the Environment Minister Yadav's attention to the urgent need for the development of Nagar Vans in the industrial belt of Sambalpur-Jharsuguda-Brajrajnagar, the coal belt of Angul-Dhenkanal, and the heat-affected region of Titilagarh-Bolangir of Odisha under the Nagar Van Yojana (NVY). In alignment with the Government's vision of 'One Earth, Many Efforts,' as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the establishment of Nagar Vans in urban clusters is aimed at ensuring environmental sustainability and community well-being. In June 2022, PM Modi launched the 'Lifestyle for the Environment - LiFE Movement' with the vision of 'One Earth, Many Efforts'. The Nagar Van Yojana was launched by the Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2020, with an aim to develop 400 Nagar Vans and 200 Nagar Vatikas. The objective of the scheme is to enhance the tree outside forests and green cover, enhancement of biodiversity and ecological benefits to the urban and peri-urban areas. In September 2024, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted the creation of 3,776 hectares of Nagar Van and Vatikas under the scheme in 64 National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) cities with Rs 142 crore sanctioned, encouraging other cities to utilise this scheme to develop green spaces. (ANI)
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- The Hindu
Kambalakonda Eco-Tourism Park: Visakhapatnam's green retreat with cottages, wildlife and thrills
As you enter the arched gate of the Kambalakonda Eco-Tourism Park, a soothing symphony of cicadas and birds replaces the din of the city. A trail meanders under a leafy canopy, where the scent of damp earth lingers after the morning spell of pre-monsoon showers. The park opens up gradually, revealing a stretch of meadows flanked by dense tropical deciduous forest, interspersed with scrubland and rocky outcrops. A family of spotted deer grazes just off the path, calm and unafraid, accustomed to sharing this space with visitors. The majestic white-bellied sea eagle glides in slow, purposeful circles above the green expanse, often sighted in the early hours near the waterbody. Spread across 71 square kilometres, Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Visakhapatnam's richest natural treasures. Bordered by the Simhachalam hill range to the west and the Gambheeram reservoir to the north-east, it offers a unique ecological blend with an oasis of mixed forest canopy, scrubland, and perennial water-body, supporting a dense and diverse web of life. Now, thanks to a series of revitalisation initiatives by the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department, the sanctuary and its eco-tourism park are abuzz with new features and upgrades. Under the Nagar Van Yojana (NVY), a Central Government scheme that aims to develop 400 urban forests and 200 vatikas by 2025, Kambalakonda is being transformed not just as a tourist spot but as a vital urban green lung. Managed by the Eco Development Committee of Sambhuvanipalem village, the sanctuary exemplifies community-led conservation. 'We're developing Kambalakonda as a model eco-tourism destination,' says G Mangamma, Deputy Conservator of Forest and curator of Indira Gandhi Zoological Park. 'Of the five cottages being constructed, three are already completed. The remaining two will be ready within two weeks, and we will open them shortly to the public.' These rustic cottages, tucked into the forest's edge, are being created to offer an experience rooted in sustainability, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the sounds and sights of the wild. The project is part of a broader Detailed Project Report (DPR) worth ₹2 crore, of which ₹1.4 crore was sanctioned and ₹75 lakh worth of work completed in the previous year. The rest of the facilities are expected to be ready within the next one month. A biodiversity hotspot The sanctuary is home to over 120 species of birds, making it a birder's paradise. Regular sightings include those of bulbuls, barbets, cuckoos, hornbills, flycatchers, leafbirds and starlings. Along its streams and water-bodies, you might spot white-breasted waterhens, moorhens, herons, lapwings and teals. Species with high conservation priority like the painted stork and the elusive pale-capped pigeon have also been recorded here. The forest also harbours several mammalian species and reptiles. In a ground-breaking discovery two years ago, the sanctuary recorded the first-ever sighting of the Barkudia limbless skink (Barkudia melanosticta), a small, elusive reptile known for its limbless body and subterranean lifestyle. The sighting thrilled herpetologists and opened new research avenues into the rich, understudied fauna of the Eastern Ghats. Green infrastructure Apart from the new cottages, several other facilities are being built and upgraded to enrich the visitor experience. Three trek routes, popular with locals and tourists alike, are being refurbished ahead of the monsoon, with pathways cleared and signages updated. A block plantation featuring indigenous forest species was raised, creating a mini forest within the sanctuary. One of the highlights is the amphitheatre, now sporting forest-themed green hues, offering a natural setting for school programmes, community workshops, and Nature-based storytelling events. Nearby, a new yoga and meditation centre invites visitors to engage with Nature through stillness and mindfulness. Additionally, an interpretation centre is coming up within the eco-tourism park. Designed to educate the public on the sanctuary's flora and fauna, it will feature informative boards and illustrations. To improve connectivity within the park, a gabion bridge has been constructed linking the eco-tourism zone to Vana Mitra, the Forest Department's nursery. 'Visitors can now directly access the nursery and choose from nearly two lakh plant saplings available,' says Mangamma. The idea is to make conservation tangible, something visitors can take home in the form of a plant. For the adventurous Adventure and family-friendly recreation have found a place in Kambalakonda's evolving identity. The Livein Adventures team offers activities like rappelling, slack-lining, ziplining, tyre walks and rope challenges, all integrated into the forest environment. Kayaking adds another dimension of fun here. The revamped children's play area has been drawing family crowds, while the renovated canteen offers a refreshed menu and resting spot for the weary trekkers. Three watchtowers with stone-packed natural stairs and reinforced with wooden sticks have been constructed, offering panoramic views of the sanctuary and beyond. These viewing points, especially at sunrise or sunset, are where Nature puts on a spectacle of light, sound and silence. Soon, guided nature walks are expected to become a regular feature. At present, they are held sporadically, but as visitor numbers grow and infrastructure scales up, more structured experiences will take shape.
