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The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) will undertake a sample survey of trees in the diamond city to ascertain its actual number and frame a policy to protect nature's bounty.

It has sought the help of a city-based NGO for this task. The sample survey of trees had begun earlier but work was stopped the reason for which was never known.

This exercise will help the civic body in knowing the actual number of trees in the city and allow the municipal corporation to frame a policy to protect city's green cover which also includes gardens.
Sources said municipal commissioner MK Das has asked the garden department to chalk out a detailed plan in this regard. Das found that some gardens in the city were in a bad shape and there was no policy to protect trees.

To prevent further degradation of trees and gardens, the garden department was issued orders.

"We're planning to conduct a survey of trees in the city and for this, we've sought NGO Prayas' aid. They had undertaken a survey in the past but owing to some legal formalities it was stopped. Now we are planning to restart the work," said SJ Gautam, head of garden department (SMC).

SMC will bear some part of the survey cost.

Interestingly, Prayas had, a few months back, begun sampling of trees in the city.

However, work had stopped as the NGO sought support from civic body for printing the number plates for trees as well as for manpower & some machineries. Due to administrative problems, the SMC did not grant permission. But, now it wants to co-operate with Prayas.