HomeLatestAhmedabads Tree Plantation Drive Faces Budget Scrutiny

Ahmedabads Tree Plantation Drive Faces Budget Scrutiny

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC) ambitious “Mission for Million Trees” has come under scrutiny following a significant escalation in project costs.

Initially estimated at ₹3.7 crore, the budget has surged to ₹69 crore, raising concerns among opposition parties and citizens about transparency and fiscal responsibility. The initiative aims to plant four million trees across the city, with a substantial portion allocated to the Gyaspur area. However, past challenges in tree survival rates and recent procurement decisions have led to debates about the project’s efficacy and intent. Originally, the AMC’s Recreation Committee proposed a modest plan in March to plant 100,000 trees over 25,000 square metres, budgeting ₹3.7 crore. The tender required contractors to have a 200% annual turnover relative to their bid amount and at least three years of tree-planting experience. Four contractors met these criteria. Subsequently, a revised proposal expanded the project to ₹69 crore, aiming to plant four million trees citywide. This shift consolidated the project, moving away from zone-wise tenders and favouring firms with substantial financial capacity.

The AMC has awarded contracts to four agencies: Anand Garden Nursery, Dharati Nursery & Farm, Harikrishna Nursery, and Nilkanth Landscape. These agencies are tasked with sourcing 2.1 million trees from private nurseries and 1.4 million from the Forest Department. Contractors are mandated to ensure a 90% survival rate for the planted trees over a two-year maintenance period, with penalties for non-compliance. Approximately 1.3 to 1.5 million trees are slated for plantation in the Gyaspur area. Critics point to Ahmedabad’s historical challenges with tree plantation initiatives. A 2023 report highlighted a 40% mortality rate among 5.5 million trees planted over four years, attributing failures to inadequate monitoring and maintenance. Additionally, recent data indicates that 25% of 3 million saplings planted last year were destroyed by fire, further questioning the effectiveness of such large-scale drives.

Opposition parties have raised concerns about the sudden budget increase and the potential sidelining of smaller contractors. They argue that the revised tender terms favour larger firms, reducing competition and transparency. The shift from zone-wise tenders to a consolidated citywide approach has also been criticised for potentially limiting local engagement and oversight. In response, AMC officials defend the project’s expansion, citing the need for a more comprehensive approach to urban greening and improved survival rates. They emphasise the importance of stringent maintenance contracts and accountability measures to ensure the initiative’s success. The upcoming launch on June 5, coinciding with World Environment Day, is positioned as a significant step towards enhancing Ahmedabad’s green cover and environmental sustainability.

As the city prepares for the project’s rollout, the debate underscores the complexities of urban environmental initiatives. Balancing ambitious goals with fiscal responsibility, transparency, and community involvement remains a critical challenge. The success of the “Mission for Million Trees” will likely hinge on effective implementation, ongoing oversight, and genuine engagement with all stakeholders.

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Ahmedabads Tree Plantation Drive Faces Budget Scrutiny
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