Ahmedabad's Green Cover Soars as Tree Census Reveals Remarkable Growth
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation's garden department has embarked on a comprehensive GIS and GPS-based tree mapping initiative, marking the first such effort in twelve years. This ambitious project aims to provide a detailed inventory of the city's urban forest, leveraging modern technology for accurate data collection and management.
Significant Increase in Tree Population
Over the past year, the census has already counted an impressive 1.54 million trees, equivalent to 15.41 lakh. This represents a substantial increase compared to the previous count conducted in 2012, which recorded only 6,18,000 trees. The current enumeration has been completed in eight key wards: Jamalpur, Maninagar, Naranpura, Navrangpura, Bapunagar, Sabarmati, Khokhra, and Asarwa. Work continues in the remaining forty wards, with the entire process expected to provide a complete picture of Ahmedabad's green assets.
Doubling of Trees Over a Decade
One of the most striking findings is that the number of trees in Ahmedabad has doubled over the last twelve years. From 6,18,000 trees in 2012, the count has surged to 15.41 lakh as of January 19, 2025. This growth is attributed to sustained plantation drives and conservation efforts by the civic body. In April 2024, the AMC approved a proposal to conduct this citywide tree census at a cost of Rs 10 crore, underscoring the importance placed on environmental monitoring.
Massive Plantation Drives and Green Expansion
Data presented in a standing committee meeting on February 22, 2024, highlights the scale of greening efforts. Over five years, a staggering 7.54 million trees were planted across the city. This includes 3 million in the West Zone, 4.09 million in the East Zone, and 4,47,000 along the Sabarmati Riverfront and metro routes. Specific annual targets were set, with 3 million trees planted in 2024-25 and 4 million in 2025-26. Cumulatively, the AMC has planted 14.54 million trees over the last seven years, significantly boosting the urban canopy.
Urban Growth and Biodiversity Richness
Ahmedabad's physical expansion has paralleled its green growth. In 2012, the city's total area was 466 square kilometers, with a green cover of 4.66%. Since then, the area has expanded to 480.88 square kilometers, accommodating both development and environmental enhancements. The current census has identified 261 different tree species, showcasing remarkable biodiversity. Among these are several rare and notable varieties, including:
- Branching palm (Hyphaene dichotoma)
- Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.)
- Leopard's Bark Tree (Caesalpinia ferrea)
- Beggar's bowl tree (Crescentia cujete)
- Elephant ear tree (Enterolobium cyclocarpum)
- Strychnine tree (Strychnos nux-vomica)
- Krishna siris (Albizia amara)
- Red Sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus)
This diversity not only enhances the ecological value of Ahmedabad's green spaces but also contributes to the city's resilience and aesthetic appeal.
