Drum plantation technique helps grow 3,200 trees in saline land at Dholera

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

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

According to forest officials, 3,200 saplings of 15 species were planted at Block No. 29 using plastic drums to protect roots from saline soil and prolonged waterlogging. Several saplings have reached heights 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 nearly six months each year, making plantation difficult.

“There were major challenges before us. The soil had extremely high electro-conductivity, low carbon content and excessive salinity, while waterlogging lasted for nearly six months, making plant growth almost impossible. To overcome this, we adopted the drum plantation technique, where saplings are elevated and planted in drums filled with layers of sand, nutrient-rich soil, vermicompost, stubble and cocopeat,” she said.

The drums were fitted with ventilation holes on both sides and embedded about one foot into the ground. DSIRDA supplied fresh water for irrigation, while a drip irrigation system was installed for all saplings.

“We created ventilation holes on both sides of the drums and embedded them about one foot deep in the ground. DSIRDA provided 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 fruits, attracting pollinators and birds,” Dr. Jani said.

Saplings of 15 species, including Pilu, neem and tamarind, have been planted.
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The plantation includes species such as Pilu, Kesudo, Shimalo, Paras Piplo, Banyan, Peepal, Peltophorum, Desi Baval, Karanj, Arjun, Goras Ambli, Neem, Gundi and Tamarind.

Forest officials said survival rates have remained high and some trees have started bearing fruit. The area has also recorded the presence of pollinators, birds and naturally growing grass.

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

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

Following the results of the project, DSIRDA has allotted an additional 20 hectares for plantation. Authorities plan to plant around 50,000 more saplings using the drum plantation technique in the next phase.

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