Gujarat makes tree planting mandatory in housing complexes

GANDHINAGAR - Developers of housing complexes in Gujarat will now compulsorily have to grow trees on 20 percent of the project area, officials said Sunday.

According to sources in the state urban development department, the Gujarat urban development control regulations make the provision mandatory, following the recent amendment in the rules.

Under the new rules, a deposit of Rs.500 per plant will have to be given by the developer along with the plans of the project for approval with an undertaking that he will take care of the plants for five years. At the end of this period, designated staff will carry out an inspection, and if the trees are not found properly nurtured, the deposit will be forefeited.

According to the sources, the responsibility for taking care of the plants will be transferred to the society after the five year period.