How is Ahmedabad Leading the Charge in Tree Planting?
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Synopsis
Ahmedabad is making headlines after planting over 20 lakh trees as part of the ambitious Mission for Million Trees 2025. The city aims to enhance its environmental profile while combating urban pollution. Discover the initiatives, participation from leaders, and the impact on Gujarat's green cover.
Key Takeaways
- Over 20.42 lakh trees planted in Ahmedabad as part of FMT 2025.
- CM Patel's hands-on involvement in tree plantation drives.
- AMC Seva app enables citizens to request free saplings.
- Gujarat's total green cover has reached 11.03 percent.
- Tree cover outside forests has seen a significant increase.
Ahmedabad, July 30 (NationPress) Following its recognition as the cleanest city in India, Ahmedabad has reached an impressive environmental milestone. Under the Mission for Million Trees 2025, the city has successfully planted over 20.42 lakh trees to date, representing 51 percent of its ambitious goal to plant 40 lakh trees this year.
Chief Minister Patel actively took part in a major tree-planting initiative in the Chandlodia region, accompanied by Cabinet Minister Jagdish Vishwakarma, Ahmedabad Mayor Pratibha Jain, Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani, local MLAs, and senior officials from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). This tree-planting effort is part of the Mission for Million Trees 2025 (FMT), which aims not only to maintain Ahmedabad's status as a clean city but also to transform it into a greener urban space.
This mission aligns with wider environmental strategies aimed at combating urban pollution, fostering biodiversity, and enhancing the city's overall livability index. In a user-friendly approach, the AMC has introduced a unique service via the AMC Seva mobile application, allowing registered citizens to request complimentary saplings, with municipal teams visiting homes for free planting services.
According to the FSI 2023 report, Gujarat now boasts a tree cover of 6,632 sq km, accounting for 3.38 percent of its total land area, marking a modest increase from 2.8 percent in 2021. When combined with forested regions covering 15,016 sq km (7.65 percent), the state's total green coverage has risen to 11.03 percent, up from roughly 10.41 percent in 2021.
Significantly, tree cover outside officially designated forest areas has expanded by 241.29 sq km, the highest growth among Indian states, underscoring Gujarat's commitment to social forestry and plantation efforts in rural and peri-urban regions. Nevertheless, the state has experienced a concerning long-term decline—from approximately 8,034 sq km of tree cover in 2015-16 to 6,632 sq km in 2021-22, reflecting a 20.6 percent loss over seven years, largely due to the conversion of forest land for industrial and infrastructure developments.
Despite ongoing urban greening initiatives, major cities like Ahmedabad are witnessing numerical increases in green cover but still fall short of national standards. In 2023, Ahmedabad's green space was about 14.89 sq km, which is 3.27 percent of the city's total area and ranks as the second lowest among Indian megacities surveyed. In contrast, Gandhinagar shines with a remarkable 54 percent green cover and a high tree density of over 152 trees per hectare in municipal zones.
Point of View
I commend Ahmedabad for its proactive approach in environmental conservation through the Mission for Million Trees. This initiative not only enhances the city's green cover but also sets a precedent for other urban areas. It's essential for cities to balance development with ecological preservation, and Ahmedabad is leading the way in this essential endeavor.
NationPress
31/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mission for Million Trees 2025?
The Mission for Million Trees 2025 is an initiative aimed at planting 40 lakh trees in Ahmedabad to improve environmental conditions and enhance urban livability.
How many trees have been planted so far?
As of now, more than 20.42 lakh trees have been planted in Ahmedabad, achieving 51 percent of the annual target.
How can citizens participate in the tree plantation initiative?
Citizens can request free saplings through the AMC Seva mobile app, and a municipal team will assist with the planting at no cost.
What impact does tree cover have on urban areas?
Tree cover helps combat urban pollution, enhances biodiversity, and improves the livability index of cities.
How does Ahmedabad's green cover compare to other cities?
Despite increases, Ahmedabad's green cover is still lower than national benchmarks, with approximately 3.27 percent of the city area covered by green spaces.
