Dholera Turns Saline Land Green: 3,200+ Trees Thrive with Innovative Drum Plantation Technique

In a remarkable breakthrough for sustainable development, over 3,200 trees have successfully grown and flourished on the saline lands of Dholera using an advanced drum plantation technique. This initiative marks a major step forward in enhancing green cover in the rapidly developing Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR).

Launched in August 2025, the project is funded by the Dholera Special Investment Region Development Authority (DSIRDA) and executed by the Ahmedabad Social Forestry Division under the Gujarat Forest Department. The primary objective is to transform challenging, high-salinity terrain into a thriving green ecosystem alongside ongoing industrial and infrastructure growth.

At Block No. 29, around 3,200 saplings across 15 diverse species were planted using specially designed plastic drums. This innovative approach protects plant roots from saline soil and prolonged waterlogging — two major obstacles that previously made plantation nearly impossible in the region. Within just a year, several trees have grown up to 12 feet, showcasing exceptional survival and growth rates.

The region faces extreme environmental challenges, including high soil salinity, low carbon content, and waterlogging for nearly six months annually. To overcome this, experts implemented the drum plantation method, where saplings are elevated in drums layered with sand, nutrient-rich soil, vermicompost, stubble, and cocopeat. Ventilation holes ensure proper aeration, while a drip irrigation system using fresh water supplied by DSIRDA supports consistent growth.

The plantation includes a rich mix of species such as Neem, Banyan, Peepal, Arjun, Karanj, Tamarind, and Kesudo, among others. Many trees have already begun bearing fruit, attracting birds and pollinators, and significantly improving the local ecosystem.

Notably, areas where even grass could not grow earlier are now witnessing natural vegetation and biodiversity revival. This transformation highlights the effectiveness of the technique in restoring ecological balance in adverse conditions.

Encouraged by the success of this initiative, authorities have allocated an additional 20 hectares of land for expansion. The next phase aims to plant approximately 50,000 more saplings using the same drum plantation method.

This project stands as a powerful example of how innovation and sustainability can go hand-in-hand, reinforcing Dholera’s vision of becoming not just a smart industrial hub, but also an environmentally resilient city.

Source:https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/gujarat/drum-plantation-technique-helps-grow-3200-trees-in-saline-land-at-dholera/article71061478.ece/amp/