Ahmedabad: Gujarat is set to develop its largest urban forest near Godhavi village on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, as part of a large-scale afforestation programme aimed at strengthening biodiversity, improving ecological resilience and expanding green infrastructure across the region. Spread over approximately 100 hectares, the proposed forest is expected to become one of the state’s most significant nature-based climate initiatives.
The project will be developed under the Gujarat Forest Department’s Van Kavach model, an afforestation approach that prioritises native tree species and long-term ecosystem restoration rather than high-density plantation alone. Unlike conventional plantation drives that focus primarily on increasing tree numbers, the model seeks to recreate self-sustaining natural forests adapted to local soil, climate and ecological conditions. Officials have linked the initiative to a broader plantation campaign across the Gandhinagar parliamentary region, where millions of saplings are planned over the coming years. The Godhavi site is expected to become the largest individual component of the programme, contributing significantly to Gujarat’s expanding urban green cover.
The Ahmedabad urban forest project differs from the widely known Miyawaki method by allowing greater spacing between trees to encourage natural root development, improved sunlight penetration and healthier long-term growth. Instead of replacing large volumes of soil, planting interventions are limited to individual pits, helping preserve existing soil structure and supporting local ecological processes. Urban ecologists increasingly recognise such nature-based solutions as essential infrastructure for rapidly growing cities. Native forests can reduce urban heat, improve air quality, enhance groundwater recharge and provide habitat for birds, insects and other wildlife. Large green spaces also contribute to climate resilience by storing carbon, reducing surface temperatures and improving stormwater absorption during intense rainfall.
For Ahmedabad, which continues to experience rapid urban expansion and recurring heat stress, increasing tree cover has become an important component of sustainable city planning. Environmental experts note that strategically located urban forests can complement traditional infrastructure by delivering ecosystem services that engineered solutions alone cannot provide. The initiative also reflects a broader shift in urban forestry from symbolic plantation campaigns towards landscape-scale ecological restoration. By prioritising indigenous species and long-term ecosystem management, authorities aim to establish forests capable of sustaining biodiversity while requiring comparatively lower maintenance after initial establishment. As cities across India seek to balance development with environmental protection, projects such as the Godhavi forest demonstrate how green infrastructure can support healthier urban environments alongside economic growth. If implemented successfully, the Ahmedabad urban forest could become a model for integrating ecological restoration into metropolitan planning, strengthening resilience against climate change while improving the quality of life for surrounding communities.
Also Read:Ahmedabad Plans Low Emission Zones For Business Districts
Ahmedabad Mega Urban Forest Planned Near Godhavi
