Large areas of barren and saline land in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar districts are undergoing a transformation into green spaces through a significant afforestation initiative. This project, part of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s Gandhinagar Green Lok Sabha Project, focuses on planting 1.25 crore trees in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency this year. The program involves restoring degraded land and planting native tree species to enhance biodiversity and establish sustainable ecosystems.
One of the project sites is a 23-hectare grazing land in Kanotar village, Ahmedabad district, previously affected by salinity and invasive vegetation. The Gujarat Forest Department has cleared the area of invasive species, improved soil fertility, and commenced planting 2.30 lakh trees, primarily native species. To support the plantation, the grazing land has been fenced for protection, and a solar-powered borewell has been installed for irrigation.
The Kanotar project is just one of 82 sites in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar districts where similar restoration efforts are underway. The Gujarat Forest Department plans to plant 60 lakh saplings over 540.92 hectares across these locations, contributing to the broader goal of planting 1.25 crore saplings in the Gandhinagar Parliamentary constituency this year. This afforestation campaign aligns with the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to encourage public participation in tree planting.
Under this campaign, the emphasis is on planting native and threatened plant species that are well-suited to the local conditions of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar districts. The Forest Department will introduce a total of 121 plant species, including 80 native species and 24 rare, endangered, and threatened varieties. The selection of native species aims to enhance local biodiversity and create a thriving ecosystem that supports various wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and insects.
The chosen native species, such as Kumkum, Silk Cotton Tree, Wild Drumstick, and White Gambhar, among others, are expected to attract diverse wildlife and contribute to a vibrant ecosystem. These trees will provide essential resources for local fauna, including food, shelter, and breeding habitats. As the plantations mature, they are anticipated to restore ecological balance, promote pollination, and establish self-sustaining ecosystems in the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency.
