Bhubaneswar launches massive urban plantation and greening drive

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is implementing extensive urban greening and air quality initiatives as part of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)-2026 Week. To combat air pollution, the civic body is conducting awareness meetings, tree plantation drives, and rallies involving students, volunteers, and local officials.

As part of a massive plantation drive, the BMC aims to plant 100,000 saplings this year in collaboration with the City Forest and Chandaka (Wildlife) Divisions. To date, 45,500 saplings have been planted this year. The initiative heavily utilizes the Japanese Miyawaki afforestation method to create dense, fast-growing, and self-sustaining green belts in limited urban spaces. Currently, 15 Miyawaki forests have been established at various locations, including Ghatikia, Nayapalli Haja, and Prachi Vihar.

In addition to forest patches, the BMC is using Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to beautify road medians. These efforts follow Bhubaneswar's achievement of securing fourth place in the national clean air ranking. Officials have called for active citizen participation to ensure the city remains a green and pollution-free urban environment.