Up to 5,000 trees were cut down between April 2019 and March 2022 to make room for track laying for the Metro and bullet train projects. Naturally, this was done with permission from Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s Parks and Gardens Department (AMC).
Of the total count, 2,398 trees were cut down in 2019–20 and another 289 trees in 2021–2022 with approval from AMC for the massive bullet train project.
In addition, the civic body approved the removal of 670 additional trees for other reasons, including the development of government projects that fall under the Town Planning Scheme, the cutting down trees that obstructed traffic, and the cutting of 75 trees on the city’s Metro route.
In 2020–2021 and 2021–2022, the Metro project permitted the axed of 438 and 33 trees, respectively, resulting in a loss of 546 trees over the course of three years.
“The permission to cut trees was granted as per the Saurashtra Vruksh Chhedan Dharo. However, the authorities assured the concerned department that they will plant trees elsewhere. As per the rule, the authorities compensate for cutting one tree by planting 10 more. They also need to maintain the newly planted trees,” shared an AMC insider.
“If the Metro authorities don’t plant trees in return for cutting them, they would have to pay Rs 2,500 per tree to the AMC. These efforts are made to retain greenery in the city. The city’s green cover is rooted at various places, from road dividers to footpaths and on avenue sidewalks,” he added.