Tamil Nadu Urban Greening Policy 2026 mandates 15% green cover in ULBs

Key facts

• Tamil Nadu government released its first Urban Greening Policy 2026 to integrate trees, urban forests, parks, wetlands and blue-green infrastructure into city planning.
• Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) must strive to maintain at least 15% of their total municipal area under green cover.
• Funding will be mobilised through convergence of existing schemes such as AMRUT, Smart Cities Mission and the Green Tamil Nadu Mission.
• A state-level Urban Greening Coordination Committee chaired by the Chief Secretary will ensure convergence among departments.
• The Municipal Administration and Water Supply department will set up a dedicated urban forest wing for greening initiatives.
• ULBs are encouraged to adopt the 3-30-300 Urban Green Liveability Guideline and improve city biodiversity index scorecards (Singapore Index).
• Urban local bodies may explore levying a green fee linked to building permissions and development approvals.