In a significant move to address the twin challenges of deteriorating air quality and climate change, the Gujarat government has unveiled an ambitious, large-scale plantation initiative. The plan focuses on creating extensive green belts along the banks of rivers across the state to bolster its ecological shield.
Ambitious Targets to Boost Green Cover
The state's Forest Department has been entrusted with the critical task of executing this campaign. The strategy involves planting trees on both sides of all 185 rivers flowing through Gujarat. Citing the latest India State of Forest Report 2023, Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia stated that Gujarat's current forest and tree cover stands at 11.03% of its total geographical area. The new riverine plantation drive is a concerted effort to increase this percentage substantially.
Strategic Planning and Regional Implementation
The government has laid out a meticulous plan for implementation. Land along the riverbanks will be identified using scientific methods like boundary demarcation and GIS mapping. Official records will be scrutinized to verify government and unused government land, ensuring that development priorities are not hampered. The identified land will be strictly reserved for creating permanent green cover.
The massive campaign will be rolled out region-wise:
- 97 rivers in the Kutch region
- 71 rivers in the Saurashtra region
- 17 rivers in South Gujarat
Multifaceted Benefits for Environment and Climate
This initiative is expected to deliver a host of environmental benefits. The development of continuous riverine green belts is projected to support higher rainfall patterns, aid in mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change, and boost oxygen levels in the atmosphere. A major expected outcome is the reduction of the state's overall carbon footprint. Additionally, government officials highlight that these plantations will play a crucial role in reducing soil erosion along the vulnerable riverbanks, protecting the land and water resources.
By anchoring its strategy on river ecosystems, Gujarat aims to create a sustainable, natural infrastructure that not only expands green cover but also strengthens resilience against environmental degradation for years to come.
