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Amit Shah to Lead Mega Plantation Drive in Gandhinagar, 1 Crore Saplings to Be Planted on July 12
In a major push to combat climate change and rising pollution, Union Home Minister and Gandhinagar MP Amit Shah will spearhead a large-scale tree plantation campaign on July 12. The flagship event will be held at Ahmedabad's Science City in the presence of Shah, with civic authorities already gearing up for what is being described as one of the country's biggest environmental initiatives.
The campaign aims to plant 10 million (1 crore) saplings in a single day across the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency as part of the 'Hariyali Lok Sabha Gandhinagar Abhiyan'.
One Crore Saplings in a Single Day
Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot said the ambitious campaign goes beyond planting trees. Every volunteer, party worker, and public representative participating in the initiative will also be responsible for nurturing the saplings until they mature.
As part of the programme, more than 100 Oxygen Parks, developed over the past four years, will also be opened to the public, further strengthening the region's green infrastructure.
Religious Organisations and NGOs Join the Campaign
The plantation drive has received support from several religious organisations, including the Swaminarayan Sanstha and Bhagwat Vidyapeeth, along with various NGOs and private developers. These organisations have committed to raising, maintaining, and protecting the planted saplings.
Authorities have identified government-owned land, grazing areas, and vacant plots across the Gandhinagar parliamentary constituency for large-scale plantation activities to maximise green cover.
Green Cover Sees Significant Growth
According to officials, continuous plantation efforts launched since Amit Shah became the Member of Parliament for Gandhinagar in 2019 have already delivered measurable environmental benefits.
The region's green cover has reportedly increased by 11.25%over the past few years. Under this year's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, around 400 locations have been selected for plantation, including 38 sites in Ahmedabad.
Focus on Native, Long-Living Trees
Amit Shah has appealed to housing societies across the constituency to actively participate in the campaign. In letters sent to society chairpersons and secretaries, he urged every urban housing society to plant at least 11 trees, while villages have been encouraged to plant a minimum of 50 saplings.
The campaign prioritises native tree species known for their longevity and high oxygen output, including banyan, peepal, neem, jamun, and bakul trees. Organisers have also called upon young people to play an active role in environmental conservation.
Online Registration for Citizens
To encourage public participation, a dedicated online portal has been launched where residents can register and choose plantation sites within their locality.
Alongside the digital initiative, BJP leaders and local workers have started door-to-door awareness campaigns across areas such as Ghatlodia, encouraging residents to plant trees and register for the programme.
Alongside the digital initiative, BJP leaders and local workers have started door-to-door awareness campaigns across areas such as Ghatlodia, encouraging residents to plant trees and register for the programme.
Tech-Driven Monitoring Through 'TreeCare' App
To ensure the long-term survival of the saplings, organisers have developed a technology-based monitoring system called TreeCare.
Each planted tree will receive an RFID tag linked to its GPS location, photograph, and growth details. The application will digitally track maintenance activities such as watering, fertilisation, and pest control while also providing regular health assessments, categorising trees as Excellent, Good, or Moderate.
Each planted tree will receive an RFID tag linked to its GPS location, photograph, and growth details. The application will digitally track maintenance activities such as watering, fertilisation, and pest control while also providing regular health assessments, categorising trees as Excellent, Good, or Moderate.
Key Plantation Locations
Large-scale plantation drives have been planned across multiple locations in the constituency, including:
- Makhiyav near Sanand:1 million saplings
- Maktampura, Sarkhej:850,000 saplings
- Near Piplaj, Gandhinagar:600,000 saplings
- Science City, Ahmedabad:400,000 saplings
Thousands more will be planted across Sabarmati Railway Colony, Kalol, Gota, and several other identified locations.
