Breathing Room: Ahmedabad to Develop 101 New Oxygen Parks

AHMEDABAD — The Gujarat state government has finalized an ambitious plan to bolster urban greenery, headlined by the development of 101 "Oxygen Parks" in Ahmedabad. The initiative, revealed during a high-level review meeting chaired by Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, marks a significant expansion of the state’s efforts to improve air quality and provide accessible green spaces for citizens.

The meeting, held in Ahmedabad, was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and senior administrative officials, including Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Das. The decision underscores a strategic push to mitigate the urban heat island effect and enhance the environmental resilience of Gujarat’s major metropolitan regions.

Expanding the Green Footprint

Under the current plan, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) will spearhead the construction of 101 oxygen parks. These sites are designed to be more than just green zones; they will be equipped with modern amenities including walking tracks, specialized lighting, clear signage, dedicated parking, and children’s play areas. To ensure transparency and public utility, the Home Minister directed officials to create a unified online platform that will host GPS locations, photographs, and video updates for every park, ensuring that residents have easy access to these facilities.

Complementing this urban development, a massive plantation drive is slated for July 12 across the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency. Officials have identified 308 locations for this drive, which aims to integrate public participation with administrative coordination. The broader green-cover program targets the planting of over 1.26 crore trees across the state, involving various municipal bodies, development authorities, industrial institutions, and voluntary organizations.

A Statewide Green Mission

The initiative extends far beyond Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. The Forest Department has been assigned a robust target of planting 60 lakh saplings and establishing 82 "Van Kavach" (Green Protection Zones). The distribution of responsibilities has been carefully mapped out to ensure accountability across agencies:

• AMC: 31.43 lakh saplings in the Lok Sabha constituency and 9 lakh in the Ahmedabad district.

• Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation: 6.27 lakh saplings.

• Gandhinagar District: 12.5 lakh saplings.

• Urban Development Authorities (AUDA/GUDA): Combined target of 5.67 lakh saplings.

• Corporate & Social Commitment: Over 121 organizations, including social groups, banks, and industries, have pledged to plant and maintain approximately 28.50 lakh trees.

Why It Matters

For residents of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, the development of these oxygen parks and the large-scale plantation drive are critical steps in addressing rising urban temperatures and pollution levels. By institutionalizing the maintenance of these green zones—supported by corporate social responsibility (CSR) and community volunteering—the government aims to ensure the long-term viability of this new green cover. The "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0" campaign remains a central pillar, encouraging individual families to participate in the preservation of their local environment.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Oxygen Parks: 101 new parks planned for Ahmedabad, featuring walking tracks, yoga zones, and play areas.

• Plantation Drive: 308 locations identified in Gandhinagar for a massive tree-planting event on July 12.

• Statewide Target: 1.26 crore trees to be planted through collaborative efforts of government and private entities.

• Public Access: All oxygen park details, including GPS and progress updates, will be available on a centralized online dashboard.

FAQ

What are the primary features of the new oxygen parks?

Each park will feature walking tracks, lighting, signage, parking, and children's play areas, designed to serve as both environmental filters and community recreation spaces.

How is the public encouraged to participate?

The government is promoting the "Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 2.0" campaign and has invited social groups, industries, and individual households to participate in the plantation and maintenance of saplings.

When does the major plantation drive in Gandhinagar begin?

The large-scale plantation drive across the 308 identified locations is scheduled for July 12, 2026.

Source: Government of Gujarat, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), Press Information Bureau (PIB)