Message
Gujarat is considered growth engine of India and has been equally concerned of environment.
The efforts at improving environment include enhancement of tree cover. Sustained efforts in the
field of social forestry have yielded positive results with tree cover showing positive trend over a
period. The impact is found pronounced in many parts of state largely in rural areas. The high pace
of urbanization in the recent years caused concern among urbanites and planners for urban tree
cover. Tree cover in urban areas is critical for improving the human environment and also the health
of people. Recognising the roles of trees in cities and towns, Gujarat has taken several initiatives like
creation of cultural forests, implementation of
nagar nandan yojana
and tree plantation in campaign
mode. However, these efforts may not be adequate. Raising tree plantation blocks and scattered
trees around ponds/lakes, buildings and streets should be treated as an environmental infrastructure
in the urban areas.
To assess the impact and ground situation, the Social Forestry Wing of the Forest Department
has taken another initiative to assess tree cover in the
Mahanagar Palikas
and
Nagar Palikas
.
I congratulate the officers of the Forest Department for publishing report on
Status of Tree Cover in
the Urban Areas in Gujarat State
, which will be of immense use for planning urban forestry in the
state.
Mangubhai Patel
Minister,
Tribal Welfare, Forests & Environment,
Gujarat State
