In Ahmedabad, the tree cover has severely declined over the years, especially in the Vatva ward. A recent survey by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) shows that between 2012 and 2024, 12 wards in the city experienced a significant decrease in their green cover. The worst hit was Vatva, where over 41% of the trees have vanished.
One major reason for this loss is the cutting down of trees for development projects. However, not all areas have suffered. Wards like Indrapuri, Kubernagar, and Saijpur have actually seen their tree cover increase by 100% to 200%. This contrast highlights how development can have both positive and negative impacts on the environment.
Back in 2012, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) conducted a tree count. At that time, the city had approximately 618,000 trees, which made up about 4.66% of the total land area. This initial survey served as a baseline for future assessments.
The AMC has been cutting down trees each year, as indicated by the following data:
| Year | Trees Cut |
|———–|———–|
| 2017-18 | 1,068 |
| 2018-19 | 2,243 |
| 2019-20 | 3,943 |
| 2020-21 | 1,003 |
| 2021-22 | 571 |
| 2022-23 | 1,200 |
| 2023-24 | 1,416 |
The AMC has set an ambitious target to plant 4 million trees by August 31. As of July 29, they reported that 2.04 million trees have already been planted. To meet their goal, they need to plant around 64,000 saplings each day until the deadline.
The ICLEI survey has also pointed out that Vatva’s loss of trees is largely due to the Bullet Train project. Another area, Maninagar, is facing similar challenges. In Khadia ward, there seems to be no space left for new plantations, which raises concerns about the future of green cover in the city.
To better understand the current situation, the AMC has commissioned the SAR agency to carry out a fresh tree count across all 48 wards in Ahmedabad. So far, the new count indicates that there are 590,000 trees in total, showing a stark contrast to the numbers from 2012.
The decline in tree cover is concerning for many residents and environmentalists. Trees play a crucial role in maintaining air quality, providing shade, and supporting local wildlife. The loss of trees can lead to increased air pollution and higher temperatures in urban areas.
Efforts like the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign aim to encourage tree planting and conservation. But as the data shows, these efforts need to be intensified to offset the losses caused by development. The community’s involvement in tree planting initiatives could also help foster a greater appreciation for nature among residents.
As Ahmedabad continues to grow, finding a balance between urban development and environmental sustainability will be vital. The city’s future depends on its ability to protect and enhance its green spaces, ensuring a healthier environment for all its citizens.