Six new urban forests to come up in Telangana

Hyderabad: Telangana will add six new urban forests under the Centre's Nagar Van Yojana, with Rs 8.2 crore sanctioned for the 2025–26 financial year. About 70% of the amount has already been released as the first instalment, officials said.The new sites have been approved across Adilabad, Mancherial and Medchal–Malkajgiri districts, as the state steps up efforts to expand green cover within city and town limits and create accessible natural spaces for residents.The approved locations include two sites each in three districts: Mavala and Yapalgoor–II in Adilabad, Indaram (Kotanapalli mandal) and Chennur in Mancherial, and Yellampet and Chengicherla in Medchal–Malkajgiri.The funds will be utilised through the Telangana State Forest Development Corporation under the supervision of the principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) and head of forest force (HoFF), officials said.Explaining the intent of the programme, PCCF & HoFF C Suvarna said the focus was on creating usable green spaces within urban areas. "Under Nagar Van Yojana, the emphasis is on enhancing green cover in cities, reducing pollution and improving living conditions. Urban forests are seen as an important tool to maintain ecological balance in fast-expanding towns," she said.Unlike conventional green patches, the proposed forests are designed as open, people-friendly spaces. Officials said the aim is to develop forests that residents can walk into and spend time in, rather than fenced-off plantations on the outskirts of settlements.The urban forests will be developed primarily with native plant species and will include walking tracks, resting areas and open green zones. Officials said the projects are expected to improve air quality, help moderate rising urban temperatures, support rainwater conservation and promote biodiversity within urban spaces.