Significant rise in tree count

While it was a maiden mangrove survey, the current Tree Census, which is the second after it was conducted in 2005, has seen a significant jump of more than 20 percent. As compared to 1.89 lakh trees enumerated in 2005, the latest census has registered a count of 2.29 trees. The MBMC has also set an example by using the state-of-the-art Geographical Information System (GIS) to effectively map and enumerate the trees in the twin-city.
“ We have been trying to increase tree count by distributing free saplings, tax sops to housing societies promoting a green environment and also tree transplant process. So far we have successfully transplanted 500 trees in the region,” informed, Tree Authority, in-charge, Nagesh Virkar.
As per the census reports, over 246 species have been identified, a rise of 12 species as compared to 234 in 2005. As per the Maharashtra Urban Areas (Protection and Preservation of Trees) Act, 1975, tree census has to be carried out every five years.