Surat Unveils Its First "Nagar Van", Step Towards Eco-Friendly Urban Living

Jan 24, 2025

In a remarkable move towards enhancing urban green spaces and promoting environmental conservation, Gujarat’s Surat launched its very first 'Nagar Van'—a pioneering initiative by the Forest Department, in collaboration with both the Centre and the state government. Located near the scenic Dumas Beach, this 'Nagar Van' is set to become a premier destination for both locals and tourists. Developed with a vision to blend nature with modern amenities, the Nagar Van is spread over a sprawling 4.50 hectares of land, with an investment of 1.5 crore rupees. The Nagar Van has been created using the Miyawaki method on barren land along the banks of the Dumas River. Over 5.5 lakh trees of various species have been planted in this forest, which not only enhance the greenery of the area but also strengthen local biodiversity. In the Nagar Van, visitors will find over 100 foreign birds from 12 species of Australia, as well as more than 2,000 fish from 100 species in the aquarium park. This initiative is not just an entertainment venue but also a remarkable effort to raise awareness about the importance of nature and wildlife in urban life. It offers an incredible educational experience for children, youth, and environmental enthusiasts.