1. General information
2. Objectives of the intervention
Goals of the intervention
- To provide Raipur city with its much-needed breeze and cleaner air
- To create a 'Micro-Forest' in the heart of Raipur city and to maintain the green balance in the city
- To develop a home for diverse species of trees and plants, which especially generate large quantities of oxygen
- To develop water bodies to recharge groundwater levels, and restore existing lakes and ponds in the city
- To offer recreational spaces for the urban inhabitants
- To develop Raipur city as an example of effective environmental conservation (1,2,3,4)
- To create a 'Micro-Forest' in the heart of Raipur city and to maintain the green balance in the city
- To develop a home for diverse species of trees and plants, which especially generate large quantities of oxygen
- To develop water bodies to recharge groundwater levels, and restore existing lakes and ponds in the city
- To offer recreational spaces for the urban inhabitants
- To develop Raipur city as an example of effective environmental conservation (1,2,3,4)
Quantitative targets
Unknown
Monitoring indicators defined
- Percentage of green areas in the city
- Air quality-related indicators
- Easy access for local inhabitants to a green urban area (1,2,3,4).
- Air quality-related indicators
- Easy access for local inhabitants to a green urban area (1,2,3,4).
Sustainability challenge(s) addressed
Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What types of conservation goals are / were defined for the NBS intervention?
Habitats and biodiversity conservation: What activities are implemented to realize the conservation goals and targets?
Implementation activities
The Oxyzone Project was implemented by the Chhattisgarh State Forest Development Corporation Limited as a much-needed green lung for Raipur City (1, 2). The project led to the creation of an urban forest in the heart of the city, with the government choosing to dismantle infrastructure and forego a plot of land worth Rs 1,000 crore for the project. (6) This previously built-up area, which had no lawns or manicured gardens, is now home to trees, plants, and ponds for groundwater recharge (1, 2). The plantation drive of 5000 trees took place in two stages, with the first stage covering 12 acres of green space and the second stage covering 7 acres (1). The plantation included specific species of trees and ornamental plants that provide maximum oxygen, such as Banyan trees (1, 4). The project also created human-made water bodies and revived existing lakes and ponds to increase the availability of groundwater (Ref. 2) and planted saplings on roadsides, traffic dividers and other available lands as a flood prevention measure for the monsoon season (Ref. 4). The created area also offers a range of recreational activities such as walking and jogging pathways, meditation and yoga zones, children's play areas, and open gyms (1, 2, 3, 4). Additionally, an Oxy-Reading Zone was created, which serves as an indoor-outdoor library and study nook for students and reading enthusiasts to read, learn, and engage in a verdant environment (1, 4).
3. NBS domains, ES and scale
4. Governance and financing
5. Innovation
Type of innovation
Novelty level of the innovation
Please specify novelty level of the innovation
The Chhattisgarh State Government is considered to have taken a bold and unprecedented decision to dismantle several quarters and offices in the city's central area to create the oxy-zone (Ref. 1). However, the structure behind the oxy-zone was inspired by New York City’s Central Park (Ref. 2).
Replicability/Transferability
Please specify Replicability/Transferability
Unknown
