Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Faces Internal Conflict Over Tree Cutting for Water Tank Project
Fresh concerns regarding coordination within the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) have emerged following the garden department's categorical denial of permission to cut approximately 700 trees for a proposed underground water tank project in Isanpur. This denial directly contradicts the civic body's standing committee, which approved the project just last week, revealing significant internal discord within the municipal administration.
Project Approval and Environmental Concerns
On Friday, the AMC standing committee cleared a substantial proposal worth Rs 5.35 crore to construct a new underground water tank at the Ramwadi Water Distribution Station in Isanpur. This decision came in response to persistent demands from local corporators seeking to enhance water storage capacity in the area. However, the chosen project site presents a major environmental challenge: it is an open plot near Isanpur Lake where nearly 700 trees were recently planted as part of the ambitious 'Mission 3 Million Trees' drive for 2024–25.
Garden Department's Firm Stance
On Tuesday, principal director of the garden department, A C Patel, accompanied by deputy municipal commissioner Jayesh Upadhyay, made a clear public statement that no permission had been granted to fell these trees. "In the open space near Isanpur Lake in the Isanpur ward, 700 trees were planted under the 'Mission 3 Million Trees' drive. No approval has been given by the garden department to cut these trees," Patel emphasized. This declaration underscores the department's commitment to preserving the city's green cover despite infrastructure pressures.
Lack of Consultation and Procedural Lapses
Sources within the garden department revealed that the proposal presented to the standing committee involved constructing the underground tank on land currently occupied by trees planted using the Miyawaki method, a dense afforestation technique. Critically, the recommendation to cut these trees was made without any prior consultation with the garden department, highlighting procedural gaps in the AMC's decision-making process.
An officer from the garden department, speaking anonymously, confirmed this oversight: "Neither the standing committee chairman nor officials from the water production department approached us for clearance. As of now, no official permission exists to cut the trees." This lack of inter-departmental communication points to deeper systemic issues within the municipal corporation.
Clarification on Authority and Jurisdiction
Officials further clarified that the standing committee's approval of the water tank project does not automatically authorize tree cutting. "The panel has no authority to grant permission for cutting trees. Such approval rests solely with the principal director of the garden department and the deputy municipal commissioner," the officer added. It was noted that formal objections have already been raised with the municipal commissioner, indicating that this conflict may escalate to higher administrative levels.
Existing Infrastructure and Broader Implications
Currently, the Isanpur Water Distribution Station already operates with two underground tanks having capacities of 27.24 lakh litres and 18.16 lakh litres, collectively holding 45.40 lakh litres of water. The proposal to add another tank amidst an afforested plot has now ignited a broader debate about balancing environmental priorities with infrastructure expansion. This situation reflects a growing tension between urban development needs and ecological conservation efforts in rapidly growing cities like Ahmedabad.
The conflict within AMC departments raises important questions about:
- Coordination mechanisms between different municipal departments
- Procedural compliance in project approvals
- Environmental impact assessments for urban infrastructure projects
- Community priorities in urban planning decisions
As Ahmedabad continues to expand its urban infrastructure, this incident serves as a critical case study in how municipal bodies navigate the complex interplay between development imperatives and environmental stewardship. The resolution of this conflict will likely set important precedents for future projects involving tree preservation and urban development in the city.
