A comprehensive tree census is being proposed in Hyderabad to protect the city’s green cover. Illegal tree chopping has raised concerns about the environment and ecosystem. The Vata Foundation suggests a citizen-driven approach, where volunteers can participate in counting trees in different zones of the city. This collaboration between the administration and residents will make the process faster and create a sense of community responsibility.
To streamline the tree census, guidelines will be issued by the administration. Existing staff will be utilized to ensure a well-executed census. Concerns have been raised about the care of translocated trees after relocation.
Undertaking a comprehensive tree census is a challenging task that requires careful planning. Factors like tree types, age, and proximity to infrastructure need to be considered. However, with proper categorization and prioritization, the GHMC can successfully navigate through the complexities.
The World Wide Fund (WWF) suggests using spatial GIS platforms and ground truthing to make the tree census feasible. These innovative approaches can streamline data collection and ensure accuracy.
Overall, conducting a tree census in Hyderabad poses challenges but has significant benefits for environmental conservation and sustainable urban planning.