JOIN USIn what is touted as a first of its kind initiative in Gujarat at maintaining and mapping the greens, the Surat municipal corporation (SMC) would soon start a tree census in the city in an attempt to keep a count on the kind and variety of green wealth.
A senior official of the parks and gardens department of the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) told Deccan Herald, “This is the first city in the state which has opted to go for a tree census.’’
He explained that the need for such a census arose as it would enable officials to identify the different kinds of trees that can be grown in the city.
“It will also enable the corporation officials and others concerned with the environment to get an understanding of areas which would require plantation,’’ the officialadded in his statement.
For the purpose the SMC has already hired the service of a Mumbai-based firm – Saar IT Resourcing Private Limited – which has worked in other cities of the country for the same.
For this the firm will be using technology like Global Positioning System (GPS) and Global Information System (GIS).
The census according to officials was expected to kick off next month and continue for nine or ten months.
Officials explained that all greens were not expected to be part of the count.
“For a tree to be counted in the census and monitored, it has to have a stem with a width of ten centimeter and a height of three metres,’’ said the official.
Officials pointed out that the census would ensure the prevention of illegal felling of precious tree wood.
“Once the tree is part of the census, it would be labeled and monitored. Hence felling for sale of wood would also be cut down,’’ pointed out the official.
During the census, details like the type of tree, the flowering time and the canopy area of tree would also be monitored, which in turn will ensure the need for the kind of plantation required for the city.