Amid rising pollution concerns across India, Ahmedabad is set to host a transformative green initiative with a new oxygen park in Tragad. Spread over 24,000 square metres, the park will feature 75,000 trees and plants, designed to improve air quality while offering much-needed recreational spaces. Inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, this project exemplifies Gujarat’s commitment to environmental sustainability and urban wellness. With plans to create similar parks in cities like Surat, Rajkot, and Vadodara, Gujarat is leading by example in combating urban pollution.
The park’s design incorporates diverse features, including walking trails, yoga zones, and birdwatching areas, making it an ideal blend of leisure and wellness. These urban forests simulate natural environments and act as green lungs for densely populated cities. Similar projects, like Rajkot’s park featuring 150 plant species and Kutch’s initiative with over 3,600 trees, underline the state’s innovative approach to enhancing urban biodiversity. These parks not only provide cleaner air but also reduce heat islands and support local wildlife.
From a civic perspective, these green spaces address the dual challenge of pollution and urban stress. They create an accessible retreat for citizens, contributing to mental and physical well-being. The Tragad oxygen park, in particular, stands as a symbol of urban resilience, offering a sustainable solution to environmental challenges.
The larger vision of Gujarat’s oxygen parks aligns with sustainability goals by cooling urban areas, boosting biodiversity, and reducing carbon footprints. As Indian cities grapple with worsening air quality, these initiatives could serve as a replicable model nationwide. With green projects like this, Ahmedabad is taking a vital step towards balancing urbanisation with ecological preservation.
