Ahmedabad's Green Cover Expands, but Ecological Strength Declines as Native Trees Disappear
The city of Ahmedabad is witnessing a significant increase in its green cover, with tree numbers doubling over the past decade and a half. However, this growth masks a critical ecological crisis: the rapid disappearance of native tree species that once anchored local biodiversity. Experts warn that the replacement of these vital trees with fast-growing or ornamental varieties is weakening the ecosystem, potentially disrupting entire food chains and threatening the survival of insects, birds, and pollinators.
The Vanishing Anchors of Biodiversity
Around six decades ago, Ahmedabad was rich in vulnerable and endangered native trees such as varuna (Crataeva nurvala), tree caper or pachunda (Capparis grandis), and pilu (Salvadora persica). Officials recall a prominent varuna tree on Sindhu Bhavan Road that, along with the diverse life it supported, was lost to urban development. Minal Jani, deputy conservator of forests (social forestry) in Ahmedabad, emphasized the crucial ecological roles these trees play. She noted that the varuna tree served as an anchor for four different butterfly species, and its removal led to the disappearance of these insects and others. Similarly, the tree caper is known to host 16 different insect species.
When these native trees vanish, we do not merely lose green canopies; we lose the intricate web of biodiversity they sustained. Jani explained that native species are often replaced by trees like neem, banyan, and peepul, or exotic species such as kigelia, lagerstroemia, and tabebuia. These substitutes do not share the same symbiotic relationships with the local biosphere, failing to support the specialized needs of many species.
Specific Dependencies and Conservation Efforts
Officials stress that many species depend on specific plants for survival. For instance, Indian birthwort (Aristolochia indica) is the only host for common rose and crimson rose butterflies, while dhavadi or fire flame bush (Woodfordia fruticosa) supports birds, bees, and small mammals. To address this issue, Jani appealed for the use of native species in tree plantation drives, highlighting that such efforts yield far better ecological results.
Her remarks came during the launch of Curating Gujarat's True Canopy, a guide to native trees released by the state forest department. The department also organized an exhibition showcasing seeds and information on these species. Dr. A. P. Singh, head of the forest force in Gujarat, pointed out that invasive species like gando baval and eucalyptus have spread rapidly and need removal, especially from riverbanks, to restore ecological balance. He added that the state offers incentives of Rs 5,000 to farmers to discourage the cutting of native trees.
Growth in Numbers vs. Decline in Natural Forests
Despite the increase in tree numbers, natural forests that have existed for centuries continue to decline due to urban expansion. Ahmedabad's tree count rose from 6.18 lakh in 2011 to 12 lakh in 2025, but experts argue that this growth must prioritize native species to sustain biodiversity effectively. According to the forest department, of the 166 native species identified in Gujarat, 115 (69%) are classified as least concern, 20 (12%) as vulnerable or near threatened, 10 (6%) as endangered or critically endangered, and 21 (13%) as rare or data deficient.
The clear message is that not all green cover is equal. The shift away from native trees could have long-term consequences for Ahmedabad's ecological health, underscoring the need for targeted conservation strategies to protect and restore these vital species.
