Why in news?
On 5 August 2025, Haryana launched the 750‑acre Matri Van project in Gurugram’s Aravalli hills to restore degraded forest and create recreational green space.
Objectives of the project
- Rehabilitate degraded Aravalli land and restore native biodiversity.
- Create a “green lung” for the National Capital Region, improving air quality and acting as a carbon sink.
- Promote community participation in afforestation through CSR funding, resident welfare associations, schools and NGOs.
- Support eco‑tourism and recreational activities for urban residents.
Key features
- Theme‑based plantations of native species such as peepal, dhak, neem and banyan arranged in groves like “Navgraha Van” and “Panchvati”.
- Infrastructure including nature trails, cycling tracks, yoga zones, gazebos and water bodies to encourage public use.
- Integration with national campaigns like “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and Mission LiFE to promote environment‑friendly lifestyles.
- Implementation through multi‑stakeholder collaboration among state agencies, private firms and civil society.
Significance
- Urban afforestation helps mitigate climate change and heat‑island effects.
- Enhances biodiversity by creating habitats for birds, insects and small mammals.
- Provides recreational and educational spaces for city dwellers, fostering environmental awareness.
- Demonstrates how public–private partnerships can fund ecological restoration.
Matri Van reflects a growing recognition that cities need green spaces for ecological balance and public well‑being.