According to the civic officials, plantation has been carried out at a large-scale in open plots and most of the places have been covered.
The tree cover is gradually reducing in the city and has become a matter of concern. Every year Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) promises to plant more than one lakh sapling, but the reality is that they are not even close to reaching that figure. According to the civic officials, plantation has been carried out at a large-scale in open plots and most of the places have been covered.
In 2011-12, the parks and the garden department of the civic body had planted 2,02,755 different species of saplings, which has dropped down to 84,849 in 2018-19. As compared to 2011-12, the year 2018-19 saw a drop of 58% in tree plantation. Moreover, the survival ratio is around 35%. "We plant saplings in the city during the pre-monsoon and monsoon season. We always plan the plantation to cover open plots. In spite of heavy plantation every year, the survival ratio of them is hardly 35%," said Jignesh Patel, director of parks and garden department, AMC.
"In the past few years, we have planted trees in open spaces. Last year we had focused in the slum pockets too," said Patel. The officer also informed that the civic body is inviting volunteers to plant and nurture the saplings.
According to Shahnawaz Shaikh, a councillor from Jamalpur, the walled part of the city needs more trees. "The walled part of the city needs more tree cover. There are a few spaces where mini-gardens can be developed. The central zone — walled part has the minimum tree cover. A lot of trees were chopped off due to several developmental works. Now, the area lacks tree cover," said Shaikh.
In spite of implementation of the Heat Action Plan which focuses on tree plantation, the data reveals that the central zone has the lowest tree cover.
Environmentalist Mahesh Pandya said that trees are natural coolers. "Trees filter air, reduces air pollution and cools the surroundings. The drop in tree plantation has many adverse effects. Tree cutting for developmental works has increased," said Pandya. " The civic body is not carrying out proper control measures. This imbalance in ecology damages the health of people," said the expert.
IN NUMBERS
In 2011-12, the parks and the garden department of the civic body had planted 2,02,755 different species of saplings, which has dropped down to 84,849 in 2018-19. Moreover, the survival ratio is around 35%.
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