6 days Ago
Times News Network Ludhiana: Civic officials have finalised tenders for the tree census , which is aimed at counting existing trees within MC limits. Work order for the comprehensive GIS and GPS-based tree diversity mapping and quantitative analysis will be issued in the days to come. The census is being undertaken on the directions of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to protect the city’s green cover.
The primary objective of the census is to prevent illegal tree felling , by tracking trees’ GPS locations to ensure swift action against violators. The joint committee on green belt encroachments had also recommended the tree census, highlighting lack of records of existing, planted and surviving trees under the jurisdiction of the municipal corporation and Ludhiana Improvement Trust. Absence of accountability has emboldened people who cut trees in the mistaken belief that they are obstacles to real estate development.
Despite challenges like inadequate staff in the horticulture wing, lack of public notification on green belts and parks, and absence of grievance redressal mechanisms, the MC claimed to have planted over 1.5 lakh plants and shrubs in five years. The civic body also claimed to have maintained 892 parks and green belts and developed 20 acres of new green belts and parks in 2022.
In response to the NGT’s Oct 2023 directives, the corporation uploaded park information on its website and documented plantation survival rates. Now, they plan to conduct the tree census in two months. The initiative aims at promoting urban sustainability, protect green spaces, and ensure accountability for environmental violations.
The civic body had floated tenders to hire a professional firm for the tree census a few months back, focusing on roadside trees and maintaining records to track damage or cutting. While progress has been slow, the initiative marks a significant step toward environmental accountability and sustainability in Ludhiana city. MC superintending engineer Sanjay Kanwar said, “We have completed the tender process but work order is to be issued.
It will be done in the coming days so that process could start as soon as possible.” We also published the following articles recently NMC to conduct tree census after elections After an eight-year hiatus, the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) is gearing up for a city-wide tree census following the state assembly polls. The initiative, allocated over Rs 10 crore, aims to update the city's tree count from the 47.
95 lakh trees recorded in 2016-17. Cast your vote, plant a tree: Green gifts at poll booths to boost voter turnout Election officials in Mumbai are going green to boost voter turnout on November 20th. Along with traditional outreach, they're planting trees, giving away saplings at polling stations, and urging citizens to see election day as a chance to strengthen democracy rather than a day for leisure.
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