Question

Read the passage given below and make notes.

To match the best cities across the world, the Government of India initiated ‘smart cities’ to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life of people. The agenda under smart city promises to resolve urban sustainability problems. Urban forests provide a range of important ecosystem services that are critical for the sustainability of cities. Urban forestry, which is defined more as ‘Management of Trees’ contributes to the physiological, sociological and economic well-being of the society. Mangroves, lakes, grasslands, and forests in and around our cities, act as sponges that absorb the air and noise pollution and they present themselves as our cultural and recreational hotspots. However, these spots are rapidly being reclaimed and replaced in the name of development. Presence of urban green has shown to increase the economic value of the place.

Urban forests contribute to reduce the cost of building storm water drain systems for municipalities and neutralizing urban heat island effect. Plants not only provide shade but also help in regulating the micro-climate. They help regulate energy budgets, improve air quality, and curtail noise pollution. Trees, herbs, shrubs, and grasses arrest sedimentation and prevent other pollutants from entering our water systems. This will give a chance for our urban lakes and rivers to recover and help improve aquatic ecosystems. Biodiversity also gets a boost through the urban forestsand helps create corridors connecting the forest areas. High biodiversity areas can also help to build resilient ecosystems. Availability of forests within our urban areas gives an opportunity for children to connect to the natural environment and learn about native species.

Answer 1

1. Agenda of smart cities
Resolve urban sustainability problems-manage trees-urban forestry-psychological and sociological well-being of society.

2. Main advantages of urban forestry
Mangroves, lakes, grasslands, and forests-sponges absorbing noise and air pollutants Recreational hotspots-urban green-additive economic value-threat in the name of development.

3. Impact on climate
Reduce the cost of stormwater drain system-neutralize urban heat island effect-maintains I microclimate.

4. Enhancing environmental health
Regulate energy budget-air quality improved-sedimentation arrested-pollutants prevented I from entering water systems-urban lakes and rivers revive aquatic ecosystems.

5. Biodiversity
Biodiversity enhanced-resilient ecosystems developed-children get connected to natural ‘ environment.