The Surat Municipal Corporation plants 12.57 lakh trees in 10 years

Surat : In a positive step towards addressing this environmental challenge, the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has embarked on an ambitious tree plantation drive. Over the past decade, the SMC has planted a commendable 12.57 lakh trees, a significant contribution towards enhancing the city’s greenery.

This has been revealed by the SMC under the Right To Information (RTI) Act to Sanjay Ezhava, an RTI activist. As per the Tree Census by Gujarat Government in 2011, tree cover in the Surat Municipal Corporation area consist of a mere 3% against the state average of 7.57%. This deficit is starkly reflected in the city’s meager tree population of 3.34 lakh, compared to the 1.29 crore trees across Gujarat.

The RTI query revealed that Surat city has a density of 8.4 trees per hectare. While in Gandhinagar it is 152 trees per hectare and in Ahmedabad 13.2 trees per hectare.

The tree cover of Surat city is only 3% of the geographical area. While Gandhinagar municipality has 53.90% and Ahmedabad has 4.66%. And Gujarat’s average is 7.57%.

Surat city has 7.5 trees per 100 people. Whereas Gandhinagar municipality has 416 and Ahmedabad has 11.1.

Surat, the bustling diamond city of Gujarat, India, is renowned for its rapid economic growth and vibrant entrepreneurial spirit. However, amidst its industrial prowess and commercial success, Surat’s environmental profile has been a cause for concern. The city’s tree cover, a crucial indicator of its ecological health, lags far behind other major cities in Gujarat.

The reasons behind Surat’s low tree cover are complex and multifaceted. Rapid urbanization, driven by industrial expansion and population growth, has led to the clearing of natural vegetation and the paving of vast areas for infrastructural development. This relentless march of progress has taken a toll on the city’s green cover.

While these efforts are encouraging, the task ahead remains daunting. To reach the state average tree cover of 7.57%, Surat would need to plant an additional 83 lakh trees. This ambitious goal requires a sustained commitment from the SMC, active participation from citizens, and collaboration with environmental organizations.

Surat city has a density of 8.4 trees per hectare. While in Gandhinagar corporation it is 152 per hectare and in Ahmedabad 13.2 per hectare.

The tree cover of Surat city is only 3% of the geographical area. While Gandhinagar municipality has 53.90% and Ahmedabad has 4.66%. And Gujarat’s average is 7.57%.

Surat city has 7.5 trees per 100 people. Whereas Gandhinagar municipality has 416 and Ahmedabad has 11.7

The benefits of increasing Surat’s tree cover extend far beyond aesthetics. Trees play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, purifying the air, reducing noise pollution, and providing habitats for diverse wildlife. Moreover, adequate tree cover can help mitigate the effects of climate change and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable urban environment.

“The SMC’s tree plantation drive is a commendable step towards a greener Surat. However, to achieve the city’s full potential as an environmentally responsible urban hub, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. This includes promoting sustainable urban planning practices, encouraging rooftop gardening and vertical gardens, and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship among citizens” said Sanjay Ezhava, RTI activist.