The latest Environmental Status Report (ESR) 2024-25, presented before the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) House on Wednesday, revealed gaps in city’s green cover and made a broad reference to the need for improved greenery. The document references the ‘3-30-300 rule’, which states that, residents should have visual access to three trees from their homes, live in areas with at least 30 per cent tree canopy cover, and be within 300 metres of a green space. However, the report mentioned high, medium, and low categorisation of all 10 zones under this ‘3-30-300 rule’ adopted by the civic body. According to ESR, Dharampeth Zone (Zone 2) and Mangalwari Zone (Zone 10) have the highest vegetation in city, whereas Laxmi Nagar (Zone 1), Hanuman Nagar (Zone 3) and Aashi Nagar (Zone 9) have the lowest vegetation in city. Remaining zones come under the mid vegetation category as per the report. When compared to the 2023-24 report, Nagpur’s average tree canopy cover was at 19.54 per cent, significantly below the recommended 30 per cent.

 

As per the latest report, Dharampeth and Mangalwari Zones have 26 per cent average tree cover; whereas Laxmi Nagar, Hanuman Nagar and Aashi Nagar zones have only 7 per cent tree cover. Remaining zones come under the 12.5 per cent vegetation category. Zones with lowest greenery have average canopy cover of 7%:: The latest ESR does include findings from studies that highlight disparities across Nagpur in terms of tree visibility, canopy cover, and access to urban green spaces under the 3-30-300 rule. According to the report, low-greenness zones recorded an average canopy cover of just 7%, with nearly 80% of residents lacking access to a nearby urban green space. Green activist Anasuya Kale Chhabrani, raised concerns over the lack of clarity. “ESR reports rely on average or selective data without robust local validation.

 

This leads to complacency among policymakers and unnecessary confusion for citizens. We need city-specific, transparent and comprehensive parameters that incorporate real-time monitoring, ground-toothing and citizen feedback. This report is a tool for the common man to track the NMC’s actions. If there is no implementation, what is the point in spending crores from taxpayer money for this report every year?” Recommendations by NEERI NEERI recommended an integrated approach for balancing spatial quality, connectivity, and the functional usability of urban green spaces in city. It also recommended the need for innovative urban planning strategies, such as enhancing tree visibility through street tree programmes and green facades, expanding accessibility via rooftop gardens, pocket parks, and green corridors.