Foreward
Tree cover in urban areas around the world, is declining and impervious cover is increasing due to the
demand of the land for development. Amongst all the capitals of the states of India, Gandhinagar,
Bangalore, Chandigadh, NewDelhi, and Dehradun are few green cities which have relatively good tree
cover and natural environment. The planned development of some of these cities present a picture
of cities that are clean and green with trees, plants, lakes and parks. Indian cities, particularly cities
and towns in Gujarat are growing at fast pace in terms of urbanization, technology, infrastructure,
and environment. The pace of urbanization is adversely affecting the green cover in the urban
areas. There is a need of awareness campaign that sensitize urban society on issues of environment,
hygiene, sanitation including solid waste management, tree protection and help in greening urban
landscapes.
Trees provide numerous environmental, social and economic benefits to people and their services in
maintaining environment has been universally accepted. Thus, when more than half of the human
population is expected to live in the urban areas in Gujarat, it is necessary to improve tree cover in
the cities and towns. Environmental problems are progressively taking alarming dimensions. The
tree canopies moderate temperature, provide shade to building, area of sidewalk, streets and reduce
pollution. Tree cover in the urban areas should be treated as important and essential constituent of
urban infrastructure. Although different cities of the Gujarat State has had campaigns implemented
activities to raise trees in urban area but efforts are not adequate. Estimation of tree population
and tree cover in urban area and publication of a report on the status of tree cover in municipal
corporations and municipalities shall be of immense use for developing appropriate action plan to
improve tree cover for all urban areas of the state.
Pradeep Khanna
Heaf of the Forest Force &
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests,
Gujarat State
