Gujarat Minister Arjun Modhwadia on Thursday, 19 June reviewed two landmark projects at Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) — an under-construction semiconductor facility and a scientific afforestation drive aimed at greening the region's notoriously saline landscape. The visits underscored the state's dual push to position Dholera as both an industrial powerhouse and an environmentally responsible development zone.

Green Belt Drive: Fighting Saline Soil with Science

At the plantation site, Modhwadia — who holds the Forest, Environment, Science and Technology portfolios — reviewed an afforestation programme being executed by the Forest Department across 19.5 hectares, of which more than 10.5 hectares have already been planted with indigenous tree species.

The project employs the 'Drum Method', a scientific technique developed specifically for Dholera's challenging conditions. Under this approach, plant roots are physically isolated from the saline soil using specially designed drums, while targeted moisture-retention techniques ensure adequate water supply for saplings — a critical intervention given the area's limited freshwater availability.

The results, according to the Forest Department, have been striking: a plantation survival rate of between 94 and 97 per cent, well above what conventional afforestation methods typically achieve in comparable terrain. The programme covers more than 17 native species, including banyan, peepal, paras peepal, arjun, gulmohar, kanji, khakhro, kesudo, gunda and gundi.

Praising the effort, Modhwadia said: 'This planned afforestation will prove to be a milestone for Dholera's green future.'

Semiconductor Plant: Progress on Civil Works and Timelines

The Minister subsequently visited the private company's semiconductor facility currently under construction within Dholera SIR, inspecting the status of civil works and technical infrastructure. He held a high-level meeting with the company's management and engineering teams to assess project timelines and commissioning schedules, with officials reiterating their commitment to meeting the stipulated deadlines.

Modhwadia said the facility would 'provide a new direction to India's digital and electronics revolution.' He also discussed the plant's potential to generate local employment and catalyse economic growth in the broader region.

Dholera SIR: India's Greenfield Industrial Ambition

Dholera SIR, located roughly 100 kilometres south of Ahmedabad, is one of India's most ambitious greenfield industrial corridors, developed under the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) project. The semiconductor plant under construction there is part of India's broader push to build domestic chip-manufacturing capacity — a strategic priority that gained fresh urgency after global supply-chain disruptions exposed the country's dependence on imports.

This comes amid heightened national focus on semiconductor self-reliance, with the Centre having approved incentive packages for chip fabrication under the India Semiconductor Mission. Dholera's inclusion in this ecosystem signals its growing importance beyond conventional manufacturing.

Local Representation and Next Steps

Local MLA Kalu Dabhi accompanied Modhwadia during both site visits. No specific commissioning date for the semiconductor plant was publicly disclosed following the review, though officials indicated the project remains on track. The afforestation programme is expected to continue expanding across the remaining 9 hectares of the designated plantation zone.