Matri Van Gurugram

Matri Van Gurugram is a flagship environmental initiative launched as part of the Government of India’s nationwide programme ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’. Developed across 750 acres in the Aravalli Hills, this urban forest aims to create a model for urban sustainability, public well-being, and ecological restoration. It was formally inaugurated during Van Mahotsav 2025 by Union Ministers Bhupender Yadav and Manohar Lal.

For SSC aspirants, understanding this initiative is crucial as it combines topics from environment, current affairs, and government schemes, which are frequently asked in the General Awareness sections.

Launch and Background of the Matri Van Project

The Matri Van Gurugram project was inaugurated as a collaborative effort between the Haryana Forest Department, various state and local bodies, NGOs, RWAs, and corporate stakeholders. The project forms a part of India’s vision for sustainable cities and reflects a broader push towards forest restoration in Gurugram and across urban India.

This green city initiative not only helps fight pollution but also promotes citizen participation through community forest projects.

Key Objectives of Matri Van Gurugram

The core goals of Matri Van Gurugram include:

• Restoring the Aravalli forest cover by planting native tree species

• Serving as the "heart and lungs" of the Delhi NCR region

• Promoting biodiversity and supporting urban forest ecosystems

• Creating a model for eco-friendly city projects

• Encouraging community participation and awareness

• Enhancing urban sustainability in India

The forest is designed as a theme-based green zone, with special areas such as Butterfly Garden, Bodhi Vatika, Bamboo Setum, and Medicinal Plants Vatika.

Tree Plantation and Biodiversity Goals

One of the standout aspects of Matri Van Gurugram is its commitment to replacing invasive species like Kabuli Kikar (Prosopis juliflora) with native trees, including:

• Bargad (Banyan)

• Peepal

• Neem

• Dhak

• Dhouk and Khairi (specific to the Aravalli region)

This native tree plantation strategy supports biodiversity, soil preservation, and the return of local wildlife. It also strengthens urban biodiversity in India, contributing to the country's climate goals.

Community Participation and Facilities

The success of Matri Van Gurugram relies heavily on community involvement.

Stakeholders include:

• Corporate CSR programs

• Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs)

• Environmental NGOs

• Students and citizens

The project includes several public-friendly amenities such as:

• Nature trails

• Cycle tracks

• Yoga spaces and gazebos

• Water bodies for rainwater harvesting and flood control

• Treated water irrigation systems using misting and sprinkling

This infrastructure supports the green space in Gurugram, making it a model eco project for other cities.

Alignment with National Missions

Matri Van Gurugram aligns with the central government’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).

This national mission promotes:

• Energy and water conservation

• Waste management

• Ban on single-use plastics

• Healthy and sustainable lifestyles

The project also complements India’s renewable energy and sustainability targets. How Matri Van improves air quality is a key environmental outcome, which makes it highly relevant in SSC examinations under environment-related questions.

SSC Exam Relevance: Key Facts to Remember

Here are important one-liners and facts from Matri Van Gurugram you should remember for SSC and other competitive exams:

Final Thoughts

Matri Van Gurugram represents a forward-thinking model for urban ecological restoration in India. By transforming 750 acres of the Aravalli Hills into a thriving urban forest, the initiative sets a benchmark for green infrastructure and community-led conservation. The project’s focus on native tree plantation, removal of invasive species, and creation of themed biodiversity zones highlights a deep understanding of sustainable land use.

With features like cycle tracks, yoga spaces, and water conservation systems, Matri Van Gurugram offers both environmental and public health benefits. Its alignment with Mission LiFE and national sustainability goals makes it a crucial part of India’s fight against climate change.

In a rapidly urbanizing landscape, projects like Matri Van Gurugram show how cities can grow while still respecting and restoring the environment.