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The civic body in Ahmedabad has cleared construction plans for thousands of residential and commercial buildings, but urban planners say tall buildings with multi-level basement parking are hindering tree growth. Despite leaving margin spaces around the buildings for trees, the small margin of 3m in the basement is not enough for trees to grow roots. Green roofs and walls, and permeable pavements are possible solutions to increase space for plants to grow while also improving air quality and reducing the urban heat island effect.
In an effort to promote green spaces and sustainability in the city, the civic body in Ahmedabad has cleared construction plans for thousands of residential and commercial buildings with the condition that they will have enough space for trees in margin spaces around the buildings. However, urban planners are saying that tall buildings with multi-level basement parking are a bigger hindrance for proper tree growth.
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Under the new common general development control regulations (CGDCR), a side margin of 3m has to be left around the building from the compound wall, even in the case of multi-level basement parking across building heights. This rule is not the same for side margins around the building footprint, which varies with building height. While a small margin of 3m in the basement is not enough for trees to grow roots, the saplings are only able to survive for five to six years and then eventually die, said a senior AMC town planning department official.
For example, a side margin of 4m has to be left for building heights of 15-25m, a 6m side margin if the building height is 25-45m, an 8m side margin space if the height of the building is 45-70m, and a 12m side margin space if the building height is between 70-100m or more. Despite the varying heights of buildings, the margin space from the compound wall for basements is only 3m.
While it is great that the civic body is requiring space for trees in margin spaces around buildings, it is clear that this is not enough. The lack of space for trees in the basement and the lack of water saturation in the soil are just two examples of how urban planning needs to take a more ecological approach when it comes to tree planting policies. More research and development are needed to come up with ways to ensure that trees have the space and resources they need to grow properly in urban environments.
One possible solution is to install green roofs and walls on buildings. These systems provide additional space for plants to grow while also improving air quality and reducing the urban heat island effect. Additionally, using permeable pavements can help increase water absorption into the ground, allowing trees to get the water they need to survive.
Overall, there is still much work to be done when it comes to promoting green spaces and sustainability in urban environments. While the civic body's efforts are commendable, there is a need to take a more holistic approach to urban planning to ensure that trees can thrive in the city.
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