15. Revamping Greens of Jaipur: The Insights, Impacts, and User Ecosystem

Jaipur, a UNESCO World Heritage city, faces ecological degradation due to expeditious urban sprawl, with a population of 1.5 million in 1991, and is expected to reach 5.4 million by 2025. This expansion has reduced green spaces to just 1.60 m² per person, far below the UN-recommended 9 m², posing threats to biodiversity and public health. The decline in greenery threatens biodiversity and public health, making revitalizing green areas essential. This research employs GIS-based statistical techniques and remote sensing data to analyze land use changes over three decades, revealing an annual loss of approximately 1.60 m² of green cover. The findings highlight the demand for strategic urban planning to restore and enhance these vital green spaces, which provide essential ecosystem services and recreational opportunities. By evaluating the Master Development Plan 2025, which aims to increase open spaces from 5.43 km² in 2011 to 58.50 km² by 2025, this study offers actionable insights for policymakers and urban planners, reinforcing Jaipur’s green infrastructure, ensuring a sustainable urban environment supporting ecological health and the well-being of its residents while preserving the city’s unique cultural heritage.