- Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil inaugurates ‘Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Oxygen Park’, reinforcing Surat’s commitment to climate resilience and urban biodiversity
- More than 25,000 native saplings of over 40 species planted using the Japanese Miyawaki method to create a dense urban forest in record time
- Mega plantation drive inspired by the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign promotes environmental stewardship and community participation
- Citizens, students, environmentalists, police personnel and voluntary organisations join hands to pledge long-term conservation and greener neighbourhoods
- An additional 5,000 saplings distributed free of cost, extending the city’s green mission from public parks to household doorsteps
NE ENVIRONMENT BUREAU
SURAT, JUNE 28
Surat added a major green milestone to its environmental journey on Sunday with the inauguration of the ‘Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Oxygen Park’ at Bhestan-Dindoli, where more than 25,000 trees have been planted using the scientifically proven Miyawaki afforestation method to rapidly develop a dense urban forest.
The park was inaugurated by Union Minister for Jal Shakti C.R. Patil in the presence of Surat Mayor Mayaben Mavani, public representatives, environmentalists, students and hundreds of citizens as part of the Tree Plantation Maha Abhiyan organised by the Surat Municipal Corporation to enhance the city’s green cover and strengthen ecological sustainability.
On the occasion, Patil unveiled a commemorative plaque and formally dedicated the Oxygen Park to the people of Surat, describing environmental conservation as a collective responsibility.
“Nurturing nature is not only the need of the hour, but also our moral responsibility towards the generations to come,” he said.
Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, Patil congratulated every citizen, volunteer and organisation that contributed to making the mega plantation drive a success.
The newly developed Oxygen Park features over 40 indigenous tree species, including Neem, Peepal, Borsalli, Mulberry, Guava, Amla, Sevan, Custard Apple and Drumstick, carefully selected to restore biodiversity while creating a thriving green ecosystem in the heart of the city.
Developed using the Japanese Miyawaki technique, the plantation is designed to create a dense, self-sustaining forest within a short period, improving air quality, enhancing biodiversity, reducing urban heat and supporting ecological balance.
To expand the impact of the initiative beyond the park, the Surat Municipal Corporation also distributed 5,000 additional saplings free of cost, encouraging residents to plant trees in their homes and neighbourhoods.
The plantation campaign witnessed enthusiastic participation from Nature Club Surat, Green Army Charitable Trust, Surat Forest Foundation, civic organisations, municipal officials, schoolchildren, police personnel and volunteers, who collectively pledged to protect and nurture the newly planted trees.
Planting Hope, One Sapling at a Time: Surat Mayor Mayaben Mavani presents a sapling to Union Minister C.R. Patil, symbolising the city’s collective commitment to nurturing nature and creating a greener future. – Courtesy: PIB
The organisers emphasised that the campaign goes beyond tree plantation by fostering environmental awareness, citizen ownership and long-term conservation. By involving students and young volunteers, the initiative also aims to instil ecological responsibility in the next generation.
The event was attended by MLAs Manubhai Patel, Sangeetaben Patil and Pravinbhai Ghoghari; Deputy Mayor Sudhakar Chaudhary; Standing Committee Chairman Rajan Patel; Leader of the Ruling Party Alpaben Mehta; Dandak Urmilaben Tripathi; City BJP President Paresh Patel, corporators, municipal officials and representatives of several environmental organisations.
With thousands of native trees taking root under one coordinated mission, the Oxygen Park is poised to emerge as one of Surat’s most significant urban green assets, strengthening the city’s commitment to climate resilience, cleaner air and sustainable development.
