Ahmedabad: The mamlatdar of Sanand has directed Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) to plant 3,000 trees within three months, bringing relief to Sanand Industries Association (SIA) after a three-year dispute over the felling of about 1,000 roadside trees in GIDC Sanand.
Nearly three years ago, around 1,000 trees, which were about three years old at the time, were removed from the roadsides within the industrial estate, allegedly on the directions of GIDC officials, according to SIA. The mamlatdar’s latest order directs GIDC to undertake compensatory plantation of 3,000 trees — three times the number the association says were felled — within three months.
Industry representatives said they repeatedly urged the officials to halt the activity and raised formal representations with the corporation, but the stretch was eventually cleared of trees. SIA subsequently pursued the matter with the local administration.
We have planted more than one lakh trees in GIDC Sanand and ensured ongoing care, with an estimated survival rate of 94%,” he said.
Reacting to the order, SIA president Ajit Shah said the decision validated the association’s stand. “This order restores faith that environmental damage in industrial areas will not be treated casually,” Shah said. Shah said SIA had continued its tree-planting programme despite the setback and expanded its work across the estate.
“We did not stop for a moment. “We will keep adding to this green cover and ensure Sanand becomes a model green industrial estate. SIA also linked its drive to the broader ‘Green Gandhinagar Constituency’ mission led by Union home minister Amit Shah , stating that its efforts focus on large-scale tree planting, environmental protection and sustainable development in and around the industrial corridor.