GHAZIABAD: The Ghaziabad Development Authority has introduced a new regulation making tree planting mandatory based on plot size to enhance the city’s green cover. This rule, effective from April 1, stipulates that no approval will be granted without a map that designates areas for planting.
The Authority has implemented a security deposit system, which will be refunded if officials are satisfied with the tree planting on the respective plots.
An official stated that for every 100 sqm of land, two trees are required, and these must be clearly marked on the submitted map. For commercial and industrial plots, two trees per 80 sqm and a total of 250 trees per hectare are mandatory.
“In schools and park areas, at least 20% of the land must be green space, and if 50 or more trees are planted, 50% of those should be fruit-bearing trees with a substantial canopy,” the official added.
For residential plots up to 200 sqm, a security deposit of Rs 5,000 is required before map approval. For plots sized 201 sqm to 300 sqm, the deposit is Rs 10,000.
Larger plots ranging from 301 sqm to 500 sqm will require a deposit of Rs 15,000, while plots over 500 sqm will incur a fee of Rs 25,000 for every 100 sqm.
For commercial and industrial plots, the deposit is set at Rs 1 lakh, while schools must submit Rs 2 lakh.
In previous years, numerous trees were cut down for various development projects. Notably, 375 trees were removed for the Hindon elevated road project, and 2,760 trees were cleared for the refurbishment of the Delhi-Meerut Expressway. Additionally, the Namo Bharat project led to the removal of 2,029 trees.
According to the India State of Forest Report 2023, Ghaziabad’s green cover has increased by only 0.03% since the 2021 report, a figure contested by environmentalists who question the accuracy of the assessments.
The officials are optimistic that this new initiative will help reduce pollution levels in the city. A recent analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) ranked Ghaziabad as India’s most polluted city last winter, with an average PM2.5 concentration of 172 micrograms per cubic meter, significantly exceeding the national standard of 60 micrograms per cubic meter. It is well recognized that trees play a crucial role in filtering PM2.5.
