CHANDIGARH – In a era where urban jungles are rapidly replacing natural ones, Chandigarh is bucking the trend. Official statistics revealed today show that the city’s total green cover has surged from 53.26 square kilometres in 2013 to 72.16 square kilometres in 2023—a remarkable 35% increase that underscores the success of the administration’s aggressive reforestation policies.
Coupled with a steadfast commitment to a pollution-free environment, this expanding green wealth has reinforced Chandigarh’s status as a global model for sustainable urban planning.
A Decade of Growth: Forest vs. Tree Cover
Analysis from the Department of Forests and Wildlife highlights a consistent upward trend in permanent forest areas. While overall greenery has expanded, the data shows a distinct pattern in how that land is categorized:
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Forest Cover: Has seen uninterrupted growth, rising from 17.26 sq km in 2013 to 25.00 sq km in 2023.
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Tree Cover: This category, which includes scattered trees and seasonal plantations, has seen more volatility. After peaking at 25 sq. km in 2019, it dipped to 15 sq. km in 2021 before rebounding to its current 21.18 sq km.
The year 2019 remains the “Golden Era” for the city’s environment, when total green cover reached an all-time high of 73.03 sq. km. Though a slight decline was recorded in 2021, the 2023 figures confirm a robust recovery is underway.
Massive Plantation Drive (2023–2026)
To maintain this momentum, the administration has launched an unprecedented sapling plantation campaign. The scale of these drives has escalated year-over-year to ensure the city’s “ecological bank” continues to grow:
| Planting Season | Number of Saplings Planted |
| 2023-24 | 229,068 |
| 2024-25 | 335,075 |
| 2025-26 | 579,296 |
Clean Air Success: Rank 8 in India
The environmental dividends of these efforts are most visible in the city’s air quality. According to the 2025 Clean Air Survey, Chandigarh has achieved a historic leap in national rankings.
Just one year ago, the city stood at the 27th spot; today, it has broken into the top ten, securing 8th position nationwide. Government data indicates that the Air Quality Index (AQI) remained in the “Satisfactory” category for the majority of 2025, with a significant decline in “Severe” pollution days.
Expert Perspective
Saurabh Kumar, Director of the Department of Environment, credited the success to a partnership between the government and the public.
“Maintaining the Earth’s ecological balance is a collective effort involving all stakeholders,” Kumar stated. “The citizens of Chandigarh hold a deep appreciation for greenery and cleanliness. Our constant endeavour is to plant more saplings, thereby enhancing the overall air quality. The Administration’s efforts have been truly commendable.”
As Chandigarh enters 2026, the city stands as a testament to the fact that urban development and environmental preservation can, with enough political will, go hand-in-hand.
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