Community-led Tree Plantation Campaign for Heatwave Mitigation
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · IR
Why in news
The government has outlined measures to combat heatwaves, including community-led tree plantation campaigns. This is part of broader efforts under the National Disaster Management Plan and various urban greening schemes.
Background
Heatwaves are recognized as a major disaster under the National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP). The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued guidelines in 2016 (revised 2019) for heatwave management, emphasizing urban heat island mitigation and vulnerable population protection.
Key facts
NDMP lists 17 major disasters including heatwaves.
NDMA guidelines (2016, revised 2019) help states prepare Heat Action Plans at state, district, and city levels.
Guidelines mandate vulnerability assessment for elderly, children, outdoor workers, urban poor.
Urban Heat Island effect is addressed through evaluation of built environment and long-term mitigation measures like green spaces, cool roofs, cool pavements, water bodies, ventilation corridors, and climate-adaptive building practices.
All heatwave-prone states, including Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, have prepared and implemented Heat Action Plans.
AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0 support development of parks, green spaces, and urban water bodies.
'AMRUT Mitra' initiative involves women self-help groups in tree plantation and maintenance of green spaces.
Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SSASCI) scheme supports urban greening initiatives.
'Nagar Van Yojana' aims to develop 600 Nagar Vans and 400 Nagar Vatikas from 2020-21 to 2026-27, funded by CAMPA.
'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign encourages citizens to plant trees in honor of their mothers.
Prelims pointers
- National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) includes heatwaves as a disaster.
- NDMA guidelines for heatwave: 2016, revised 2019.
- Heat Action Plans at state, district, city levels.
- AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) and AMRUT 2.0.
- AMRUT Mitra initiative.
- SSASCI (Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment) scheme.
- Nagar Van Yojana: 600 Nagar Vans, 400 Nagar Vatikas (2020-21 to 2026-27).
- CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority).
- India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP).
- Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code.
Mains angles
- Discuss the effectiveness of community-led tree plantation in mitigating urban heat islands and heatwave impacts.
- Critically examine the role of urban planning and green infrastructure in disaster management, with reference to heatwaves.
- Analyze the convergence of various government schemes (AMRUT, Nagar Van Yojana, SSASCI) in addressing climate change adaptation in urban areas.