Gandhinagar/Ahmedabad: On the occasion of World Environment Day, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched a series of major environmental initiatives in Ahmedabad aimed at strengthening urban greenery, improving air quality, and promoting sustainable city development.
The initiatives include a massive plantation target under Mission Five Million Trees, advanced pollution monitoring systems, and an urban forest development project based on the Miyawaki method.
50 Lakh Trees Target Announced Under Mission Five Million Trees
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) announced an ambitious target of planting 50 lakh trees across the city this year under the ongoing Mission Five Million Trees campaign.
CM Bhupendra Patel participated in a plantation drive held at Chandkheda, marking the formal launch of the large-scale greening initiative.
Over the past several years, Ahmedabad has recorded significant plantation growth:
- 2019–20: 11.66 lakh trees
- 2020–21: 10.13 lakh trees
- 2021–22: 12.82 lakh trees
- 2022–23: 20.75 lakh trees
- 2023–24: 20.05 lakh trees
- 2024–25: 30.13 lakh trees
- 2025–26: approx. 41.16 lakh trees
Mobile Air Pollution Laboratory Launched to Track Emission Sources
CM Patel also flagged off a Mobile Source Apportionment Laboratory developed under the Smart Sensing and Digital Intelligence Project.
The mobile unit will:
- Monitor real-time air quality
- Identify major sources of air pollution
- Map pollution hotspots across Ahmedabad
- Support scientific planning to improve AQI levels
Officials said the system will significantly strengthen data-driven environmental management in the city.
Miyawaki-Based Urban Forest Project Inaugurated
The Chief Minister also inaugurated a Miyawaki-based Clong-On Forest Development Project, aimed at rapidly expanding dense urban green cover using the Miyawaki afforestation technique.
The project is expected to:
- Increase biodiversity in urban areas
- Reduce heat island effects
- Improve local air quality
- Strengthen ecological balance in the city
Focus on Urban Heat Island Effect and Climate Challenges
Authorities highlighted the growing impact of the Urban Heat Island Effect, where rising urbanisation has led to increased temperature retention in cities.
Even after peak daytime heat, temperatures now remain high for longer durations, increasing stress on urban populations.
The government said large-scale plantation drives are a key strategy to mitigate these climate-related challenges.
Green Development Through Public-Private Partnerships
To expand environmental efforts, AMC has signed MoUs with PPP, CSR, and CER organisations for plantation maintenance and green cover expansion.
The campaign will focus on:
- Major roads and medians
- Public parks and open spaces
- Residential societies
- Urban green corridors
Citizens will also be encouraged to participate through digital platforms.
Citizen Participation Through AMC Seva App
To boost public involvement, initiatives like:
- Green Volunteer Program
- Memorial Parks Initiative
- Green Societies Mission
have been introduced.
Citizens can register for free plantation drives through the AMC Seva Mobile Application or QR-based registration, after which AMC teams will carry out plantation activities.
Senior Leaders and Officials Present
The event was attended by several dignitaries including:
- Energy Minister Rushikesh Patel
- Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot
- Several MLAs and public representatives
- Deputy Mayor Anju Shah
- Standing Committee Chairman Kamlesh Patel
- AMC Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani
- Corporators and senior officials
A large number of citizens also participated in the plantation drive.
The environmental initiatives launched in Ahmedabad mark a significant step toward building a greener and climate-resilient city. With large-scale plantation targets, advanced pollution monitoring, and citizen-driven participation, the state aims to strengthen sustainable urban development and improve air quality in the coming years.
