Ahmedabad Canal Risk Prompts AMC Rethink: New SOP Launched for 'Mission 5-Million Tree'

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has issued a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for its ambitious 'Mission 5-Million Tree' campaign following concerns that haphazard plantation along the Kharikat Canal could cause severe structural damage. The decision follows an on-site inspection by Mayor Hitesh Barot and Standing Committee Chairman Kamlesh Patel, who discovered large deep-root trees planted dangerously close to the canal’s reinforced concrete framework.

During the visit, officials spotted species such as Banyan, Peepal, and Neem growing directly alongside the canal banks. Urban planners warned that the expanding root systems of these massive trees could severely rupture the canal's RCC structure and boundary walls over the next decade. In response to the oversight, the civic body scrapped its previous approach in favour of a scientifically backed strategy covering canals, main roads, and central dividers across the city.

Strict Buffer Zones and Species Selection

Under the newly released guidelines, the AMC Garden Department has imposed an absolute ban on planting large trees near water channels. Moving forward, only small to medium-sized shrubs will be permitted along canal banks, maintaining a mandatory minimum buffer of at least two feet from the concrete edge.

To enhance aesthetics while safeguarding infrastructure, the city will focus on colourful flowering plants along the waterfront. Selected varieties include several types of Bougainvillea—such as Formosa, Dr. Rao, Torch Glory, Robra, and Shubhra—alongside Hamelia, Tagar, Lagerstroemia Indica, and Oleander (Karen).

Roadside plantations will also follow strict spacing rules. The SOP mandates a uniform gap of three to four metres between large trees along pavements, footpaths, and central verges to ensure healthy growth without crowding.

Detailed Watering Schedules and Traffic-Friendly Pruning

The SOP outlines a structured maintenance roadmap to prevent overgrown foliage from obstructing city infrastructure. Large trees will undergo formal trimming every six months, while smaller shrubs will be pruned every fortnight. This routine upkeep aims to keep traffic signals, streetlights, municipal CCTV cameras, and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems fully visible and operational.

To address environmental concerns regarding green waste, the AMC has ordered immediate vehicular clearance of all cut branches and leaves to prevent littering and public disruption.

A seasonal irrigation schedule has also been established to conserve water while maintaining survival rates. Plantations will be watered every alternate day during summer, every third day throughout winter, and on an as-needed basis during the monsoon season.