The drum plantation technique helps grow 3,200 trees on the saline soil in Dholera

Saplings planted in drums in Dholera, Gujarat. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

More than 3,200 trees planted using the drum plantation technique have survived and thrived on the saline soil in Dholera, where industrial development is underway under the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR).

Funded by the Dholera Special Investment Region Development Authority (DSIRDA) and implemented by the Ahmedabad Social Forestry Division of the Gujarat Forest Department, the plantation project was launched in August 2025 to increase the green cover in the area.

According to forest officials, 3,200 saplings of 15 species were planted on Block No. 29 using plastic drums to protect the roots from saline soil and prolonged waterlogging. A few saplings have reached a height of up to 12 feet within a year.

Deputy Conservator of Forests, Ahmedabad Social Forestry Division, Dr. Minal Jani said the area has high soil salinity, low carbon content and remains waterlogged for almost six months every year, making plantation difficult.

“We faced major challenges. The soil had extremely high electrical conductivity, low carbon content, and excessive salinity, while it took almost six months to become waterlogged, making plant growth almost impossible. To overcome this, we adopted a drum plantation technique where saplings are lifted and planted in drums filled with layers of sand, nutrient-rich soil, vermicompost, stubble, and cocopeat,” She said.

The drums were provided with vents on both sides and sunk about one foot into the ground. DSIRDA supplied fresh water for irrigation while a drip irrigation system was installed for all the seedlings.

“We created vents on both sides of the drums and sunk them about one foot deep into the ground. DSIRDA provided fresh water and a drip irrigation system was installed for all the seedlings. Today, almost all the trees have survived and some have even started bearing fruit, which attracts pollinators and birds,” said Dr. Jani.

Saplings of 15 species including Pilu, Neem and Tamarind were planted. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

The plantation includes species like Pilu, Kesudo, Shimalo, Paras Piplo, Banyan, Peepal, Peltophorum, Desi Baval, Karanj, Arjun, Goras Ambli, Neem, Gundi and Tamarind.

Forest officials said the survival rate remained high and some trees had started bearing fruit. The area also saw the presence of pollinators, birds and naturally growing grass.

“In areas where not even grass could grow before, we are now seeing the presence of pollinators, birds and naturally growing grass thanks to improving soil conditions,” said Dr. Jani.

Officials said the plastic barrels used in the plantation process will eventually be removed and recycled.

Based on the results of the project, DSIRDA earmarked another 20 hectares for plantations. Authorities plan to plant about 50,000 more saplings in the next phase using the drum plantation technique.

The project is part of the efforts to increase the green cover in Dholera, where the development of industry and infrastructure is currently underway.

Published – 05 Jun 2026 08:56 IST