Amit Shah Launches 'Mission 5 Million Trees' in Ahmedabad

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated a mass plantation drive in Ahmedabad on Sunday, marking a major effort to bolster urban green cover through community-led environmental action.

AHMEDABAD — Union Home Minister Amit Shah officially launched the "Mission 5 Million Trees" campaign on Sunday, July 12, 2026, in a significant environmental initiative aimed at planting 50 lakh saplings across Ahmedabad. The event, held at the Science City area, also included the formal inauguration and foundation stone laying for various public infrastructure projects valued at approximately ₹405 crore.

The campaign, driven by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), seeks to integrate large-scale afforestation with urban development. The initiative aims to enhance the city's green footprint by planting native trees along key corridors, dividers, and public spaces throughout the municipality.

Community-Driven Green Strategy

The "Mission 5 Million Trees" program distinguishes itself by prioritizing public participation and technology-led engagement. To ensure the campaign reaches every corner of the city, the AMC is utilizing the "AMC Seva Mobile Application," through which citizens can sign up as "Green Volunteers."

Under the mission’s "Green Societies" program, residential neighborhoods are encouraged to participate by registering for dedicated plantation support. According to official reports, once citizens register, municipal teams assist with the selection and planting of saplings at no cost to the residents. Additional features, such as "Memorial Parks," are also being established to encourage families to plant trees in honor of loved ones, further fostering a sense of long-term stewardship for the city’s growing urban canopy.

Infrastructure and Development Integration

Alongside the plantation drive, Minister Amit Shah inaugurated and laid foundation stones for diverse people-centric infrastructure projects. These projects, spanning multiple zones across the city, are being executed by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA), and the state's Roads and Buildings Department.

Following the main event at Science City, Shah participated in a series of site-specific plantation programs across the Ghatlodia, Vejalpur, and Naranpura assembly constituencies. These sessions involved collaborative planting with local representatives to ensure that the "Mission 5 Million Trees" targets are met with precise, locality-specific planning.

Official Sources

The initiative was formally outlined by the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office and municipal authorities during the launch. The campaign is a key component of the state’s broader strategy to combat climate change and align urban expansion with ecological preservation.

"The launch of the Mission 5 Million Trees campaign marks a determined step toward a greener Ahmedabad, combining large-scale plantation with community involvement and robust infrastructure development," officials stated.

Why It Matters

For Ahmedabad, the initiative represents a strategic approach to balancing rapid urban growth with ecological sustainability. By targeting 50 lakh trees, the city is positioning itself to mitigate the "urban heat island" effect while improving air quality and public health. For residents, the program offers a practical, government-backed pathway to participate in climate action at the local level, turning residential and public spaces into vital carbon sinks.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Mission Goal: The campaign aims to plant 50 lakh (5 million) trees across Ahmedabad.

• Public Engagement: Citizens can register via the AMC Seva App to become "Green Volunteers" or request plantation services for their residential societies.

• Infrastructure Investment: Alongside the green initiative, projects worth ₹405 crore were inaugurated or commissioned to upgrade city-wide civic facilities.

• Scope: The plantation drive covers major roads, dividers, gardens, and available open spaces, with support from AUDA and the Roads and Buildings Department.

FAQ

How can citizens participate in the 'Mission 5 Million Trees' campaign? Residents can download the AMC Seva Mobile Application, register as a Green Volunteer, or request free plantation support for their homes and societies.

What is the objective of the 'Green Societies' drive? It is a targeted effort to incentivize residential communities to increase their local green cover, with the AMC providing technical support and resources for the plantation process.

Are there other projects launched alongside this mission? Yes, Minister Amit Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for various civic infrastructure projects worth ₹405 crore to strengthen Ahmedabad’s public amenities.

Source: Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), Gujarat Chief Minister's Office, ANI News, Economic Times, Akashvani News