Rane Charts Path for “Green Lung” Initiative Across Municipalities

Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: In a significant push towards sustainable urban development, Forest Minister Vishwajit P. Rane chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials from the Forest Department, Urban Development Department, and representatives from renowned urban planning consultancy StudioPOD.
The meeting focused on finalizing strategies to implement the “Green Lung” concept across municipalities in the state.
Minister Rane emphasized the urgent need for creating thoughtfully designed open spaces within city limits to counter the adverse effects of rapid urbanization. “Our goal is to integrate green lungs into urban planning — spaces that not only enhance ecological balance but also significantly improve air quality and offer communities a vital connection to nature,” he said.
The Green Lung project aims to earmark and rejuvenate parcels of land within towns and cities, transforming them into vibrant green zones featuring native tree plantations, water bodies, biodiversity parks, and community gardens. These spaces will serve as natural air purifiers, urban cooling zones, and hubs for environmental education.
Key discussions at the meeting included the identification of suitable locations, collaboration with local governing bodies, adoption of sustainable landscaping practices, and long-term maintenance frameworks. Minister Rane directed the departments to prioritize areas facing the most environmental stress and ensure that the green spaces are inclusive, accessible, and integrated into the daily life of citizens.
He also stressed the importance of engaging local communities, schools, and NGOs in both the creation and stewardship of these green spaces. “This is not just about beautification — it’s about building climate-resilient cities and fostering a healthier, happier population,” he added.
StudioPOD, with its expertise in urban design and sustainable infrastructure, will assist in developing master plans and detailed blueprints for the first set of pilot projects. The meeting concluded with a commitment to begin groundwork within the next quarter and a pledge to make the “Green Lung” concept a flagship model for urban renewal in the state.