Million saplings turn Gujarat’s industrial Morbi into green haven

A large-scale plantation initiative in Gujarat’s ceramic manufacturing hub of Morbi has transformed a barren stretch of land into a thriving green zone after more than one million trees were planted across 1,200 bigha land under the ‘Namo Van’ project led by Gujarat Minister of State for Labour, Skill Development and Employment Kantilal Amrutiya.
The plantation drive was undertaken on land owned by the Shri Morbi Panjrapol Trust near Machhu Dam-II on the outskirts of Morbi. Officials said the area had remained largely neglected and inaccessible until around eight months ago before the afforestation initiative was launched in September last year.
According to officials, the project is expected to significantly improve green cover in the drought-prone region, enhance biodiversity, reduce dust pollution and strengthen climate resilience in and around the industrial town known for its ceramic manufacturing units.Amrutiya, who is also a trustee of the Shri Morbi Panjrapol Trust, said the initiative was launched to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday.“As we decided to create ‘Van Kavach’ and plant one million saplings within a month, we chalked out a detailed plan with the help of Sadbhavna Vrudhashram Trust, which assisted us in planting and maintaining Gujarat’s largest Miyawaki forests,” Amrutiya said.He said the land was first fenced and levelled using tractors and earth-moving equipment before fertile soil and cow dung were added to improve soil quality ahead of the plantation exercise.
More than 500 people participated in the campaign, planting nearly 25,000 saplings daily over a period of 37 days, according to Amrutiya. The plantation is currently being maintained through drip irrigation systems.“Today, the entire 1,200-bigha land has literally turned into a forest,” he said.
The ‘Namo Van’ project was inaugurated by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Prime Minister Modi’s 75th birthday in 2025.Officials said the Chief Minister later revisited the site and announced a special grant of Rs3 crore for the construction of an approach road leading to the plantation area after being impressed by the scale of the initiative.
The 64-year-old Amrutiya, a six-time MLA first elected in 1995, said his recent battle with cancer inspired him to dedicate his life to environmental conservation and natural farming.“After the cancer surgery, I feel as though I have got a second life. I now want to dedicate my life to spreading awareness about natural farming and tree plantation,” he said.Amrutiya added that a proposal has been submitted to the government seeking allocation of nearby land for similar plantation drives along the banks of the Machhu Dam.

(State Correspondent)