Ghaziabad won’t allow building construction without tree plantation anymore: Check new plot approval norms for builders & land owners
According to the new rule, no map will be approved unless the submitted plan clearly shows the area allocated for tree planting based on plot size. The authority has also introduced a refundable security deposit that will only be refunded after officials physically verify that the required trees have actually been planted.
How many trees are needed according to GDA?
According to GDA officials, two trees should be planted for every 100 square meters of residential area and should be clearly marked on the map. For commercial and industrial land, the norm is stricter; two trees for every 80 square meters and 250 trees per hectare.
At least 20% of the total land in school and park areas must be green area. If 50 or more trees are to be planted, at least 50% of them must be fruit-bearing varieties with wide canopy.
Security deposit details
The authority has determined the following security amounts:
- Residential plots up to 200 sq.m.: ₹5,000
- Plots between 201-300 m2: ₹10,000
- Plots between 301-500 m2: ₹15,000
- Plots above 500 sq m: ₹25,000 per 100 sq m
While the deposit for commercial and industrial plots is ₹1 lakh, schools will have to submit ₹2 lakh.
The money will be refunded only after GDA officials are satisfied with the plantation work.
Why this rule now?
Ghaziabad has lost thousands of trees due to development projects in recent years. 375 trees were cut for the Hindu elevated road. 2,760 trees and bushes were removed during the renovation of the Delhi-Meerut Expressway. Another 2,029 trees and bushes were cut for the Namo Bharat project.
The India State of Forest Report 2023 showed a marginal increase in green cover area of only 0.03% compared to 2021, a figure questioned by environmentalists.
According to an analysis by the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), Ghaziabad has emerged as the most polluted city in India; The city recorded the highest average PM2.5 level in India last winter at 172 micrograms per cubic metre; This is well above the national standard of 60. Trees are known to help filter harmful PM2.5 particles.
GDA officials believe that the new mandatory afforestation rule, backed by a deposit system, will help improve air quality and green cover in the rapidly urbanizing city.
(With TOI entries)
