Gujarat SEZs to become eco-friendly

AHMEDABAD: Amid various movements aimed at spreading awareness about global warming in the world, the Government of Gujarat has decided to turn all Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the state into eco-friendly, green areas. The industrial clusters will host a range of initiatives like afforestation, use of non-conventional sources of energy and bicycles and electric vehicles for transport.

To kick start the afforestation drive, 50,000 trees will be planted in the Kandla Special Economic Zone (KASEZ) in Gandhidham, Kutch on December 1, 2019. In a phased manner, this activity will be conducted across all 20 SEZs operating under the state authority.

All local trade association along with the developers have supported this move and have come forward to help in its implementation. Over a period of three months, the KASEZ management authority plans to plant one million trees. According to Amiya Chandra, Zonal Development Commissioner, KASEZ, from January 1, 2020, vehicles will not be allowed to enter the KASEZ area. Employees of offices in KASEZ will have to park their cars outside the campus and commute using bicycles or electric vehicles. Only vehicles transporting containers or goods will be allowed in the premises.

The move is likely to reduce the carbon footprint of the state of Gujarat, KASEZ in particular.