Latest news with #UrbanDevelopmentDepartment
Indian Express
16 hours ago
- General
- Indian Express
Urban Green Policy gets UP Cabinet nod for sustainable, eco-friendly cities, towns
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Friday approved the Urban Green Policy that aims to drive sustainable and eco-friendly growth in towns and cities. Under the policy proposed by the Urban Development Department, a 'Green City Monitoring System' will be developed to evaluate and award 'Green Star' ratings to cities based on their environmental efforts and green infrastructure. To reduce the impact of climate change in urban areas, the policy promotes the development of vertical gardens, rooftop gardens, and Miyawaki forests (a method of afforestation). The policy will take important steps to reduce the effects of climate change and protect the environment. It will be implemented through a three-level approach — focusing on the city, neighbourhood, and building levels. At the city level, dense mini-forests will be created using the Miyawaki method, making green spaces grow quickly. The cities will also have green belts, low-emission zones, 'sponge' parks, and host special green fairs. At the neighbourhood level, there will be efforts to build pocket parks, community gardens, and adopt-a-park programmes. At the building level, new constructions will be required to meet green building standards, focusing on eco-friendly materials, energy-saving technologies, and green roofs. The policy will be funded through various central and state government programmes such as AMRUT 2.0, National Clean Air Programme, and grants from the Central and State Finance Commissions. The urban local bodies can also raise money through their own revenue, CSR funds, and other sources. The policy also aims to make the public an active part of the initiative. Tree planting drives will be organised in schools, offices, and organisations. The government will also encourage rooftop and vertical gardens. To increase awareness, green fairs, workshops, and flower festivals will be held across the state. The Green City Monitoring System will be set up to assess how well each city is doing. The cities will be rated based on their green cover and efforts and will be classified as 'Green City', 'Green +', 'Green ++', or 'Green +++'. Monitoring will be done by local authorities, the state government, and independent organisations, making sure each city takes strong, timely steps to improve its green spaces. The best-rated city will be awarded the 'Ultimate Green City' title. The policy will be introduced in three phases. In the first phase (2025–2027), it will focus on smart cities and major metro areas. In the second phase (2027–2030), it will expand to include cities with a population of over 1 lakh. In the third phase, it will cover all municipalities and nagar panchayats across the state after 2030. The government said the policy will not only benefit the environment but will also have a positive social and economic impact. Socially, it will create safe spaces for children to play, educate people about environmental conservation, and build stronger communities. Economically, it will raise property value near green spaces and reduce energy costs.
United News of India
18 hours ago
- Health
- United News of India
Yoga Parks developed, equipped with all essential facilities
Lucknow, June 20 (UNI) The Uttar Pradesh government has made extensive preparations for the 11th International Yoga Day, with more than 100 Yoga Parks developed across the state, official sources said here on Friday. Sources said that in line with the vision of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Urban Development Department has set up these Yoga Parks in every urban local body across the state, providing all the necessary facilities for yoga and related activities. Sources said that the parks have been developed as spaces where people can come together to practice yoga, both on International Yoga Day, to be celebrated on June 21, — and throughout the year for regular yoga and other health-promoting activities. Developed in accordance with the standards set by the Ministry of Ayush, these Yoga Parks are designed to accommodate the theme of this year's International Yoga Day, "Yoga for One Earth, One Health". Through this initiative, the state aims to create long‑term spaces where communities can continue to practice yoga and adopt a healthier lifestyle well beyond the annual celebration. According to instructions from Amrit Abhijat, the Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department, Yoga Parks have been developed in urban bodies across the state. In Varanasi municipal corporation, Yoga will be held in Shaheed Udyan, Beniya Bagh Park, Harishchandra Park, as well as at Namo Ghat, Assi Ghat, and Ravidas Ghat. In Agra municipal corporation, Yoga Parks have been set up at Balkeshwar Park, Central Park in Awas Vikas, Kalindi Park, and the Municipal Corporation Office Park. In Lucknow, nine Yoga Parks have been developed, including Gulab Park, Swarn Jayanti Park, Jhande Wala Park, and ED Park. In Kanpur, Yoga Parks have been created in Nana Rao Park, Buddha Park, Sanjay Van, and Parshuram Vatika. Jhansi has the highest number, with about 12 Yoga Parks, followed by Mathura‑Vrindavan with roughly 8 parks. Ayodhya and Firozabad have 3 Yoga Parks each, while Ghaziabad has 10. The Urban Development Department has instructed District Magistrates, the Directorate of Local Bodies and Municipal Commissioners to make sure these International Yoga Parks have all basic facilities, such as clean drinking water, seating arrangements and spaces suitable for yoga training. This initiative by CM Yogi Adityanath will not only make the 11th International Yoga Day memorable but will also help bring yoga closer to people across the state. UNI AB GNK
The Print
19 hours ago
- Health
- The Print
From river banks to parks, UP gears up for grand Yoga Day events with mass participation
Developed by the Urban Development Department, these parks, are equipped with clean drinking water, seating arrangements, and dedicated yoga spaces. The state government has developed over 100 yoga parks in the urban local bodies to provide permanent space for yoga practice, where special events involving children, senior citizens, and foreign delegates are lined up for Saturday. Lucknow/Varanasi, Jun 20 (PTI) On the eve of the 11th International Yoga Day, Uttar Pradesh has made elaborate preparations for mass participation across cities, from the ghats of Varanasi and Prayagraj to Ayodhya, and parks across Lucknow, Kanpur, Mathura and Ghaziabad. The initiative aligns with this year's theme — 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health' — and is designed to promote a year-round culture of health and wellness. Lucknow now has nine yoga parks, including at Gulab Park, Swarn Jayanti Park, and ED Park. Kanpur features spaces like Nana Rao Park and Buddha Park, while Jhansi leads with 12 parks, followed by Mathura-Vrindavan with eight. Ayodhya and Firozabad have three each, while Ghaziabad has developed 10. In Varanasi, yoga will be practised at locations like Namo Ghat, Assi Ghat, Ravidas Ghat, and Shaheed Udyan. On Friday, specially-abled children, slum dwellers and senior citizens gathered for a special yoga programme at Mahanagar in the state capital under the aegis of Lucknow University, organised by yoga practitioner Roma Hemvani. Saurabh, a specially-abled child, performed aasanas while another performer, Srishti Kashyap, enthralled the audience with a yoga dance involving young kids, while Kartik Hemvani performed 'jal yoga'. Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been selected as an 'iconic spot' for Yoga Day, where events have been scheduled across the city, with the main programme to be held at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Cabinet minister Suresh Khanna will attend the event as the chief guest, while Union minister Anupriya Patel will be present at Assi Ghat. In Prayagraj, 'water yoga' will be performed at the Sangam, for which instructors are teaching children to perform asanas in the water. Ayodhya is expecting a big turnout at Ram ki Paidi, where around 4,000 people, including seers and public representatives, will perform yoga on Saturday morning. District Magistrate Nikhil Tikaram Funde and IG Praveen Kumar confirmed that all preparations have been made for the event, which will also feature a live broadcast of Prime Minister Modi's address. A delegation from South Africa is slated to attend the event. Yoga Day will also be celebrated at Ayodhya's Gulab Bari, all tehsil and block headquarters, and gram panchayat offices. Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, who led a pre-Yoga Day event at Gandhi Park in Maharajpur, appealed to the people to make yoga a daily habit. In a message shared on social media, Mahana said, 'Yoga not only strengthens physical and mental health, but also instills discipline, balance, and positive energy in life.' PTI COR NAV KIS ARI This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Print
19 hours ago
- Business
- The Print
UP cabinet approves ‘green policy' to drive ecological turnaround
Under the initiative, a 'Green City Monitoring System' will be developed to evaluate and award 'Green Star' ratings to cities based on their environmental efforts and green infrastructure. The Urban Green Policy was proposed by the Urban Development Department and will be conducted in three phases. Lucknow, Jun 20 (PTI) The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved a policy aimed at promoting sustainable and eco-friendly growth in urban local bodies by setting up parks and gardens and using eco-friendly materials. To reduce the impact of climate change in urban areas, the development of vertical gardens, rooftop gardens, and Miyawaki forests will be promoted. It will be implemented through a three-level approach, beginning with the city, then neighbourhood, and finally at the building level, the statement read. At the city level, dense mini-forests will be created using the Miyawaki method, making green spaces grow quickly. At the building level, new constructions will be required to meet green building standards, focusing on eco-friendly materials, energy-saving technologies, and green roofs. In the first phase, 2025-2027, the policy focus will be on smart cities and major metro areas. In the second phase, 2027-2030, it will include cities with a population of over one lakh, while the third phase, after 2030, will cover all municipalities and nagar panchayats. PTI CDN VN VN This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Yoga parks to be developed across Uttar Pradesh
Lucknow, The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to establish 'Yoga Parks' across the state to make yoga a part of everyday life and promote regular community practice. These parks will be developed with the participation of local bodies such as municipalities and gram panchayats, the state government said in a statement on Tuesday. According to the plan, three yoga parks will be developed in districts with divisional headquarters, and two in all other districts. District magistrates have been instructed to identify suitable sites and forward proposals in coordination with the Urban Development Department. The parks will include facilities such as trained yoga instructors, open gyms, resting space, clean drinking water, and adequate lighting. The aim is to create inclusive public spaces where citizens of all ages can gather for regular yoga practice, the statement said. Ahead of the International Yoga Day on June 21, the Uttar Pradesh government also said that the day will be celebrated not as a one-day event, but as a week-long festival of social and environmental consciousness. The campaign is anchored on two pillars youth participation and environmental sustainability and is being led by two initiatives of 'Yoga Unplugged' and 'Harit Yoga'. 'Yoga Unplugged' is a state-level initiative designed to actively engage youth in yoga through creative, competitive, and social media-driven formats. The campaign is being run across government AYUSH colleges, vocational training institutes, universities, and degree colleges with the goal of connecting lakhs of students to the cause. Key events under the initiative include speech competitions on the benefits of yoga and mental well-being, live yoga demonstrations by students showcasing various asanas and meditation techniques. The 'Harit Yoga' campaign reflects Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's commitment to environmental stewardship. It aims to blend the discipline of yoga with a message of nature conservation. Major activities include open-air yoga sessions, plantation drives under the theme "Ek ped maa ke naam" at every yoga gathering, cleanliness campaigns before and after yoga events by students and local residents and community involvement through participation by panchayats, local bodies, NSS/NCC cadets, and school children.
