Chandigarh, often called the City Beautiful, continues to maintain a strong green identity. According to the latest data shared in the Lok Sabha, the Union Territory’s forest cover has increased to around 2,500 hectares. This now makes up nearly 21.93% of Chandigarh’s total geographical area, marking a steady improvement over the past few years.
The figures were presented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in response to a question on the expansion of forest area across the country. The data is part of the India State of Forest Report, which is prepared every two years by the Forest Survey of India. The report uses satellite images along with ground checks to assess forest and tree cover across states and Union Territories.
In 2019, Chandigarh had about 2,203 hectares under forest cover, accounting for roughly 19.3% of its total area. Since then, the city has gradually added more green spaces. Officials say that while Chandigarh’s forest area may appear small compared to larger states, the rise is significant given the city’s limited size and dense urban planning.
The data shows a consistent increase in Chandigarh’s forest cover. In 2017, the forest area within city limits stood at around 2,203 hectares. By 2023, this had risen to approximately 2,280 hectares. The latest estimate places the figure at nearly 2,500 hectares, reflecting sustained efforts to protect and expand green spaces.
Officials from the forest department say this growth is the result of long-term planning rather than sudden expansion. Urban forestry projects, regular plantation drives, and conservation programmes have helped maintain a stable green cover even as the city continues to develop.
Chandigarh’s planners and administrators have long emphasised the importance of greenery in urban life. Wide tree-lined roads, green belts, and protected forest patches are key features of the city’s design. Maintaining these spaces has become even more important in recent years as concerns over rising temperatures, air pollution, and climate change have grown.
Environmental experts point out that in a compact and planned city like Chandigarh, protecting existing forest patches is just as important as creating new ones. Once green areas are lost to construction, it becomes very difficult to restore them. This is why authorities have focused on conservation alongside plantation.
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To support these efforts, Chandigarh has received financial and technical assistance from the central government under various schemes. One of the major sources of funding has been the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority, commonly known as CAMPA.
Under CAMPA, Chandigarh’s approved annual plans of operation have received steady funding over the years. The Union Territory received ₹1.66 crore in 2022–23, ₹1.54 crore in 2023–24, and ₹1.40 crore in 2024–25. So far, ₹0.75 crore has been approved for 2025–26. These funds are used for plantation activities, maintenance of green belts, protection of forest land, and other ecological work.
Chandigarh has also benefited from the Nagar Van Yojana, a central scheme aimed at developing urban forests and green spaces in cities. The goal of the scheme is to improve air quality, support biodiversity, and give residents better access to nature. Under this programme, Chandigarh received ₹13.41 crore in 2022–23. However, no additional funds have been released to the city under this scheme in the years that followed, as per the ministry’s reply.
Apart from funding, national-level initiatives have also played a role. The Centre’s plantation drive titled “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” encourages people across the country to plant trees as a symbolic and personal act. Experts believe such campaigns help raise awareness and involve citizens directly in environmental protection.
UT Chief Conservator of Forests Saurabh Kumar said the increase in forest cover is the result of collective effort. He credited the department of forest and wildlife, the UT administration, and the general public for working together. According to him, the Greening Chandigarh Action Plan has been especially important in guiding these efforts.
The Greening Chandigarh Action Plan is prepared every year and involves multiple agencies. These include the forest department, the horticulture wing of the UT engineering department, and the municipal corporation. Each department sets annual plantation targets and works within its area to add and protect green spaces.
Experts say that Chandigarh’s experience shows how consistent planning and cooperation can make a difference. Even without large tracts of land, cities can improve their green cover by protecting existing forests, planting native species, and involving citizens.
Looking ahead, environmentalists stress that maintaining and expanding urban forests will be crucial for Chandigarh. Green spaces help reduce heat, improve air quality, support birds and animals, and improve the quality of life for residents. As climate challenges increase, such efforts are expected to become even more important.
For now, the latest figures offer a positive picture. Chandigarh’s forest cover may be modest in size, but its steady growth highlights the city’s continued commitment to staying green and liveable.
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