Ahmedabad: The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) finds itself at the centre of a financial controversy despite achieving notable success in reducing stray cattle on the city’s streets. The significant funds allocated for tree guards, a protective measure for young saplings, are raising questions among city officials and residents alike.
Historically, the monsoon season in Ahmedabad has seen an influx of stray cattle, posing a considerable threat to newly planted saplings across the city. In response, the AMC has consistently invested in tree guards, with annual expenditures reaching between Rs 3 to 4 crore. These guards were crucial in shielding the saplings from being trampled by the wandering cattle. However, a decisive intervention by the high court has markedly addressed the stray cattle issue, resulting in a notable decrease in their presence on city roads. This judicial action, which has effectively curbed the menace, would logically suggest a subsequent reduction in the budget for tree guards. Contrary to expectations, this has not transpired.
Under the ambitious ‘Mission Three Million Trees’ initiative, the AMC has committed Rs 1.49 crore for tree guards in the western part of Ahmedabad alone. The garden department has already successfully planted 1.55 million trees and aims to plant an additional 1.45 million by mid-September. Despite the significant reduction in the stray cattle problem, the expenditure on tree guards remains conspicuously high. This financial strategy has perplexed many, with senior members of the standing committee and the executive wing of the AMC expressing their concerns. A senior AMC official remarked, “It is puzzling. We have resolved the stray cattle issue, yet the spending on tree guards has not decreased significantly.”
The persistence of high expenditure on tree guards has sparked a broader discussion on the AMC’s financial management and resource allocation. Critics argue that the funds could be redirected to other pressing urban development needs, particularly in areas where the city faces infrastructural challenges. Proponents of the continued investment in tree guards, however, contend that the measure ensures the long-term survival and growth of the saplings, thereby contributing to the city’s green cover. They emphasise that the tree guards not only protect against potential threats from the remaining stray cattle but also from other environmental factors and human activities that may damage the young trees.
As the AMC navigates this debate, the core issue remains the effective utilisation of public funds. The corporation’s commitment to urban greening is commendable, but the financial strategies employed must reflect the evolving realities and priorities of the city. The ongoing scrutiny of the AMC’s budget allocations will likely lead to a reevaluation of spending practices, ensuring that resources are optimally used for the benefit of Ahmedabad’s residents and its urban landscape.
