Nava Raipur Atal Nagar is set to become Chhattisgarh's first 'Peepal City', with the Nava Raipur Development Authority (NRDA) launching an ambitious five-year plantation drive to transform the city's green landscape. Under the initiative, 1.25 lakh fully developed saplings will be planted across roadsides, parks, green belts, water bodies, and government land.

The project aims to plant around 25,000 mature saplings every year, each approximately 10 feet tall, to improve survival rates and ensure faster development of green cover.

Peepal Forest and Green Corridors Planned

The campaign will primarily focus on planting Peepal trees, along with Neem and other environmentally beneficial shade-giving species.

As part of the project, a 24-acre Peepal Forest will be developed in Sector-16, complementing the existing mango grove. Another 16-acre block plantation is planned in Sector-39 (Mudhpar), while 75 acres behind the Biodiversity Park in Sector-24 will be developed with mixed plantation.

The authority also plans to undertake plantation along 108 water bodies and nearly 33 kilometres of natural water channels, aiming to strengthen both urban greenery and water conservation efforts.

Modern Nursery to Supply Saplings

To support the long-term plantation programme, NRDA has established a four-acre modern nursery in South Central Park, where Peepal saplings are being cultivated.

The nursery will supply planting material throughout the five-year campaign. In the future, it will also produce Neem, Kaner, Bougainvillea, and seasonal flowering plants for urban landscaping projects.

Focus on Larger Saplings

Unlike conventional plantation drives that rely on small saplings, the initiative will prioritise larger and well-developed plants. Officials believe mature saplings have significantly higher survival rates and can provide shade, greenery, and environmental benefits much sooner.

Environmental experts say dense roadside plantations help reduce dust, air pollution, and urban heat, while also improving the city's overall ecological balance.

Ecological and Cultural Significance

The Peepal tree holds immense ecological, medicinal, and cultural importance in India. Besides improving air quality and biodiversity, various parts of the tree—including its leaves, bark, roots, and fruits—are widely used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It is also regarded as a sacred tree in Indian culture.

Expected Benefits for Residents

The large-scale plantation drive is expected to deliver several long-term environmental benefits, including:

• Improved urban greenery and cleaner air
• Reduction in dust and air pollution
• Lower urban temperatures and heat mitigation
• Better protection of lakes and water bodies
• Healthier and more sustainable urban environment

With the initiative, Nava Raipur is expected to emerge as a model green city, combining urban development with environmental conservation through one of the state's largest plantation programmes.