Of these, the survival ratio is only between 50 and 60 per cent. One of the reasons, experts have said, is pre-mature saplings are planted.
In yet another step to make Ahmedabad green, the civic body is planning to grow 15 small urban forests. Besides distributing free saplings, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is planning to plant 1.50 lakh saplings across the city this year.
Every year, the civic body plants around one lakh saplings. Of these, the survival ratio is only between 50 and 60 per cent. One of the reasons, experts have said, is pre-mature saplings are planted.
"This year, we will plant mature saplings that are 3-4 feet high. They will be both evergreen and deciduous trees. Trees like Neem, Kashid, Spatparni, Gul Mahor, Peltrophorum, Pipal, Piplo, Garmalo, Borsalli, etc. are on the list for massive plantation," said Jignesh Patel, director of parks and garden, AMC.
He informed that fruit-bearing trees like Jamun, Gooseberry etc will also be planted where birds can also take shelter.
"In addition, we will develop urban forests on 15 plots across different zones. Due to non-availability of open space in the central zone, we cannot have an urban forest there," added Patel. This year, there will not be any SMS scheme to order saplings, AMC will go digital and saplings can be ordered social media.
The programme will be inaugurated on World Environment Day by mayor Gautam Shah.
It is to be noted that in 2004, AMC had done massive plantation and come up with seven urban forests. Looking at the need of the hour, AMC is planning to utilise space for tree cover.
Officials are focussing on open spaces, footpath, road dividers, parks, schools plots, hospital, offices to plant the saplings.
"We don't doubt the intention of AMC. But, what their plans lack sustainability. Every year, they are planting trees, but there's no benefit," said Mahesh Pandya, environmentalist.
NEW PROGRAMME
The programme will be inaugurated on World Environment Day by mayor Gautam Shah.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "Urban Forest")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}