Today, World Forest Day, only 4% of the green area in Rajkot survived

- 50% of 153 gardens in Rajkot do not have loan, more than 300 applications for tree felling per month in the city

Rajkot

After two years of hard work in Corona, tomorrow. World Forest Day is being celebrated by the state government on the 21st. Despite the implementation of several social forestry schemes by the state forest department, there has been no significant increase in the area covered with green cover or forest area. On the contrary, concrete forests are increasing. The picture is emerging that the plans are only on paper. In Rajkot city only 3% of the land is covered under green cover area.

Although Corona's precarious condition explained the value of oxygen to the people, there is no awareness among the people about tree planting. While Corona was at the peak of the second wave, the patient's family was wandering around to get a bottle of oxygen. Although many people's lives have been cut off due to the lack of oxygen, people are still not trying to save the trees. The city of Rajkot has a population of about 17 lakhs and covers an area of ​​265 sq. Km. Only 5% of the area is green area. The city of Rajkot is becoming a jungle of croquet.

It is generally said that 8% forest area is ideal but forest area has been declining continuously for some time now. The situation is similar in Gir forest area of ​​Gir. While the government is conducting an exercise to denotify the area, it is possible to estimate the condition of cities like Rajkot where piles of high-rise buildings are constantly crumbling. Rajkot Corporation has 158 gardens in different wards out of which 50% have no loan. Not only that, even though Corona has explained the cost of oxygen to the people, the garden branch is getting applications for cutting 10 to 15 bushes daily in Rajkot city, which means more than 200 applications are being received in a month. This trend will create a serious situation in the future.

World Forest Day was virtually celebrated by the Forest Department during Corona's two years. Tomorrow A program has been held on 21st at 9 am at the Collectorate. The Chief Minister will attend the program at Gandhinagar and will connect online from each district level.