422 heritage trees found in Ahmedabad amid ongoing tree census

Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has discovered 422 heritage trees across the city during an ongoing tree census, which has been underway for more than a year. The survey is still incomplete.

While crores of rupees are being spent on tree plantation drives, the census has revealed the presence of several century-old trees in different wards of the city.

Among them are a 113-year-old tamarind tree standing firmly in Victoria Garden and a 91-year-old Shami tree located on Mithakhali Road. These trees reflect the foresight of people who lived in the city a century ago and cared about future generations.

The last major tree census in the city was conducted in 2011, when Ahmedabad’s green cover stood at 4.61%. The current survey is being carried out ward-wise by an agency named SRS India. So far, more than 1.7 million trees have been counted across 47 wards, and the work is still continuing.

During the survey, apart from the heritage trees, species such as white palm, red sandalwood, and Gorakh tamarind have also been identified.

Medicinal and cultural importance of some trees

Tamarind – Helpful in treating indigestion, constipation, and loss of appetite.

Shami Tree – Considered sacred to Shani Dev and believed to remove Vastu defects.

Banyan Tree – Beneficial in treating cough, toothache, and diarrhea.

Gunda Tree – Used for making pickles and also helpful in cough and digestive issues.

Miswak – Acts as a natural toothbrush, increases saliva production, and is believed to help in diabetes treatment.

The report highlights concerns that trees beneficial to human life are often cut down in the name of development rather than being preserved. 

Environmental advocates argue that while authorities promote slogans like ‘Liveable Ahmedabad’ and ‘Green City Ahmedabad,’ real environmental protection will only be possible if genuine efforts are made to conserve existing trees rather than prioritising development projects that harm the environment.