Dholera grows 3,200 trees in saline soil using drum plantation method; 50,000 more planned

A green belt of 3,200 trees across 15 species now thrives on Dholera’s saline flats at Block No. 29 — grown with an elevated “drum plantation” technique funded by DSIRDA. Encouraged by the pilot, authorities have allotted 20 more hectares for 50,000 additional saplings.

Travelling through Dholera, the emerging semiconductor hub along Ahmedabad’s coastal belt, during peak summer can be an unforgiving experience. The semi-arid region — intense heat, high soil salinity, and barren flatlands — makes outdoor life extremely challenging. Yet amid this harsh landscape, a lush green patch at Block No. 29 has emerged as a striking example of ecological innovation, turning inhospitable land into a thriving green zone.

Spread across the saline terrain are more than 3,200 trees planted using an innovative "drum plantation" technique developed by the Ahmedabad Social Forestry Division of the Gujarat Forest Department. The project has been funded by the Dholera Special Investment Region Development Authority (DSIRDA) as part of efforts to enhance green cover in the rapidly developing industrial city.

The green belt has become a symbol of sustainable development in Dholera, which is being built as a major semiconductor manufacturing hub. Its success is particularly noteworthy given the area’s extreme salinity and harsh climate, where even grass struggles to grow naturally.

3,200 saplings of 15 species planted

According to forest officials, more than 3,200 saplings across 15 species were planted in August 2025 using plastic drums designed to protect roots from excessive salinity. In less than a year, many have grown up to 12 feet tall — an achievement considered remarkable for the region.

"There were significant challenges. The soil had extremely high electrical conductivity, low carbon content, and excessive salinity. In addition, waterlogging persists for nearly six months, making plant growth extremely difficult," said Minal Jani.

"To address these challenges, we adopted the drum plantation technique, in which saplings are planted in elevated plastic drums filled with layers of sand, nutrient-rich soil, vermicompost, crop stubble, and cocopeat. Ventilation holes were created on both sides of the drums, which were embedded about one foot into the ground. DSIRDA supplied sweet water, and a drip irrigation system was installed for all saplings. Today, nearly all the trees have survived, and some have even started bearing fruit, attracting pollinators and birds," she added.

The plantation includes species such as Pilu, Kesudo, Shimalo, Paras Piplo, Vad, Pipal, Peltophorum, Desi Baval, Karanj, Arjun, Goras Ambli, Neem, Gundi, and Tamarind.

Pollinators and birds return

Forest officials say the ecological impact is already visible. "In areas where even grass could not grow earlier, we are now witnessing the return of pollinators, birds, and naturally growing grass as soil conditions gradually improve," Dr. Jani said.

The plastic drums used in the project will eventually be removed and recycled, keeping the initiative environmentally sustainable.

The project aligns with the vision of developing the Dholera Special Investment Region into a global model of sustainable industrialisation — India’s first greenfield smart city and a leading manufacturing hub.

Encouraged by the success of the pilot, DSIRDA has allotted an additional 20 hectares for expanding the plantation drive. In the next phase, authorities plan to plant around 50,000 more saplings using the same drum plantation technique across the Dholera activation area.

Source: DeshGujarat.