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Gujarat Plants Forests on 185 Riverbanks for Greener Future
3 Jan
Summary
- Gujarat approves plan to plant trees along 185 riverbanks.
- Nodal agency Forest Department will manage the riverine landscape.
- Goal: Boost green cover, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
Gujarat's government has sanctioned a comprehensive Riverine Landscape Management Plan, marking a significant step towards increasing the state's green cover. This ambitious project focuses on planting trees along the banks of 185 rivers, with the Forest Department designated as the nodal agency to guide the initiative. The plan aims to restore riverine ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and bolster climate resilience.
The initiative involves identifying and demarcating suitable land for tree cultivation, utilizing GIS mapping for verification. Commercial activities will be prohibited on these lands to ensure their sole purpose is increasing green cover. The Forest and Environment Minister, Arjun Modhwadia, highlighted that the Forest Department will be responsible for the protection and conservation of these designated riverine forest landscapes.
This program is particularly crucial for Gujarat, where the current forest and tree cover is below the national target of 33%. The plan addresses issues like erosion, siltation, and invasive species, drawing inspiration from Kerala's basin management framework. By integrating scientific methods and inter-departmental coordination, Gujarat aims for holistic conservation and restoration of its riverine corridors.
