The initial idea is to get a figure on the tree population in Ahmedabad as there are only some estimations and random surveys, with speculative figures for tree population.
How about keeping a digital watch on the chopping of trees in narrow lanes of Ahmedabad? Great for sure, would say tree-lovers and environmentalists. And the great idea might soon turn into reality as the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), Gujarat University (GU) and state forest department have geared up to establish an electronic data base after the first ever tree census in Ahmedabad.
The initial idea is to get a figure on the tree population in Ahmedabad as there are only some estimations and random surveys, with speculative figures for tree population. The proposed tree census would require service of around 3000 people to carry out the survey in 64 wards of the city. The census is likely to start from the first week of May this year.
The officials say, while the census would be carried manually, they plan to take the help of Global Positioning System (GPS) and Geographic Information System (GIS), to get electronic database of the types of trees and exact number of trees on the city's map.
"At the end of the survey, we would not only have total figure of tree population in the city. But this would also include minute details of specific tree population." said course director at the Bio Informatics department at GU Dr YT Jasrai.
Deputy municipal commissioner for parks and garden department, SK Langa said that the tree census would enable to get reliable scientific documentation of tree species which are rare in the city, define the number of trees per individual in city, a reliable indicator of climate change and C-stock and the greening efforts required for the city.
If go by an estimated tree population - Ahmedabad has around 4.5% of green cover which is very less than the required green cover of the 12%. "If we have to reach the 12% of green cover for Ahmedabad, we will have to plant around 24 lakh trees looking at the 50% mortality rate of saplings. But the calculation is based on an estimate. Tree census would help us get final figures on the total number of trees in Ahmedabad and that would enable us to get better estimate of required green cover,' said Langa.
Benefits of adding green cover
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By meeting WHO standards for air quality, about $20 per person a year may be saved in health costs.
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Due to micro-climate, about Rs13 cr in electricity may be saved -- a benefit for consumers.
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Trees should be viewed as infrastructure, most needed for proper sustainable development of city
Areas to be covered under census GIDC and industrial area
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Institutions (including schools/colleges/universities etc)
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Residential area, road (sides/dividers)
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Ponds, open spaces, gardens and others
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