40 lakh saplings to be planted in Gujarat

On the eve of World Environment Day, June 5, an official from the department of environment and forests announced at a panel discussion, ‘Greening Ahmedabad,’ organised by the Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA), that this year 40 lakh saplings will be planted in the state.

According to CN Pande, additional principal chief conservator of forests, tree plantation will be conducted at all four judicial levels -- state, district, taluka and village.  "Nearly nine lakh saplings will be planted in the city of which a substantial chunk will be tall trees. Plantation at all four levels will happen through public people participation (PPP)," Pande said.

Tall trees saplings will be planted this year as smaller ones used to get destroyed by grazing animals and motor vehicles. Pande added, "We are also roping in corporate houses to financially support us in providing fences and tree guards around these saplings."

More than 250 eco-clubs constituting school children and teachers are also taking part in this plantation drive. Pande also said that nine crore seedlings will be distributed to citizens this year. 

Currently, Ahmedabad has nearly 8% tree cover as compared to a dismal 4.89% in 2006.  Elaborating on this issue, SK Langa, deputy commissioner of AMC said, "In order to reduce city temperature by at least one degree Celsius, we need to plant 25 lakh saplings in the next five years. This will ensure a 14% tree cover in the city in the next five years."