Cleanest city faces green crisis: Indore's vanishing green covers

Indore is experiencing rapid growth, which is resulting in the loss of its green cover. The proposed expansion of the MOG line by the Smart City Project will result in the removal of nearly 2,000 trees. Officials say they will transplant 1,000 of these trees. But past attempts at transplanting have failed, with most trees dying. This scenario raises concerns about the city’s shrinking greenery and its environmental impact.

Indore, a city once known for its lush green streets, is left with only nine percent tree cover. More than 2.5 lakh trees have been felled in the city and the surrounding areas in the past five years. Though officials promise to plant new trees, little has been done so far. The city's green spaces are rapidly disappearing, leaving behind a troubling landscape and a concerning future.

Back in June 2024, the state government had promised a green future for Indore. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav launched a plan to plant 51 lakh trees in Indore, building on the city's six-year success as the "cleanest city." The project is expected to cost Rs 25 crore, with Rs 10 crore each from the city and the state forest department. Officials said they have already arranged 10 lakh saplings.  

Promises seem made to be broken. A year has passed since the big announcement. The green future remains invisible. No updates have been shared. No follow-through has occurred. The promised 51 lakh trees are nowhere to be seen.

Meanwhile, the city is preparing to cut 2,000 more trees for the new MOG line. Residents are left wondering—what happened to the green city plan?

Local resident Ajay Chauhan is worried. “We should plant as many trees as possible. They should not be cut down; they should be preserved,” he said. Many others share this concern, feeling that the city’s natural heritage is being sacrificed for development.

What does lossing trees means?

The loss of trees is more than just a loss of greenery. According to research from IIT, if deforestation continues at this rate, Indore’s temperature could rise by 0.5°C in the next 20 years. While the increase may seem like a small change, it will result in more heat for the city’s residents. In April, the temperature hit 40°C. If this trend continues, the city could see temperatures as high as 44°C in the near future.

Cutting down 2,000 trees means losing 236,000 liters of oxygen every day. That’s enough to support over 6,000 people. It’s not just about losing trees; it’s about losing clean air and the city’s ability to cope with its changing climate.

Dr. Sanjay Vyas, a botany expert and Head of the Department of Microbiology at the Govt. Holkar Science College, Indore, warns that removing trees could increase temperatures by 2-3°C in Indore. Without trees, the city risks becoming unbearably hot. "Removing trees takes away the shade and cooling effect they provide. Without them, the city will heat up significantly," Dr. Vyas explains.

The loss of trees also harms local wildlife. Birds and small animals depend on these trees for shelter. Cutting them down destroys entire habitats. The 35-kilometre stretch of tree removal planned for metro construction, flyovers, and bypasses isn’t just about losing trees; it’s about disrupting ecosystems.

Air pollution is worsening

Air pollution will also worsen. Trees absorb harmful carbon dioxide (CO₂), with each tree taking in about 22 kilograms of CO₂ every year. Cutting down 2,000 trees means a loss of 44,000 kilograms of CO₂ absorption annually. This will lead to poorer air quality, with pollution levels of harmful particles like PM 2.5 and PM 10 increasing. These particles can cause serious health problems, particularly for those with respiratory issues.

A city known for its cleanliness is now grappling with growing air pollution. Since April 1, the Air Quality Index (AQI) has not dropped below 100. On April 9, it spiked to 236, a level that poses health risks to everyone, not just sensitive groups.

While development is necessary, it shouldn’t come at the expense of the environment. Officials argue that the metro and flyover projects are vital for the city’s growth. But experts like Dr. Vyas caution that cutting down too many trees without proper replanting could make the city even hotter. "We need to plant trees now to ensure a sustainable future," Dr. Vyas says.

To protect the environment, Dr. Vyas suggests replanting native species like Peepal and Banyan trees, which are more likely to survive. He also recommends planting trees at least five feet tall to improve their chances of survival.

In response to the threat, residents of MOG Lines have launched a campaign to track and protect the trees. They are numbering each tree, noting its species, and recording its health. The goal is to create a clear record that can be used in court to ensure that tree removal is done responsibly. Over 50 people, including women and children, are actively involved in the campaign. Some have even chained themselves to trees in protest, showing their commitment to protecting the city's green cover.

But many residents are not convinced. They believe the city should focus on saving the trees already in place. “We should plant as many trees as possible. They should not be cut down; they should be preserved,” said Ajay Chauhan.

"While the loss of trees due to development projects like the MOG line raises concerns about Indore's green future, the city is also taking steps to mitigate these losses. To counterbalance the impact, Indore is developing Bharat Van, a 36-acre biodiversity park, which Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav describes as the city's 'lungs'. 

"We envisioned a space that brings the environment to the city’s centre—a forest that purifies air and revives groundwater while showcasing the flora, fauna, and biodiversity of different Indian states," he stated. The project aims to create a green retreat for residents and strengthen the city's commitment to sustainability and a cleaner future."

Indore’s future depends on balancing development with environmental protection. The city needs both modern infrastructure and green spaces. Residents are taking action, but authorities must do more. The government needs to focus on planting trees that will survive, protect existing green spaces, and include biodiversity in urban planning.

Indore can become a thriving, green city, but only if everyone—residents, authorities, and developers—works together to keep it green.  

Indore stands at a turning point. The city must balance growth with nature. Development matters, but so do clean air, cooler weather, and healthy environments.

Words about planting trees mean nothing without real work. Citizens are taking action—counting trees, fighting removals, and demanding better care for nature.

Leaders must be open about their plans. They need to protect trees and plant more. Projects like Bharat Van help, but cannot replace thousands of old trees being cut down. For Indore to stay liveable, nature must come first, not last. We cannot wait any longer to act. 

Edited by Diwash Gahatraj

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