Gujarat’s Dholera’s Green Revolution: Turning Saline Wastelands into Sustainable Ecosystem

Jul 31, 2026

Dholera, Gujarat, once a saline and barren coastal region, is transforming into a climate-resilient green ecosystem through innovative afforestation. The Social Forestry Department and DSIRDA have planted over 36,000 saplings using the drum plantation method, designed to overcome waterlogging and soil salinity challenges. The technique elevates plants above stagnant water and uses a special soil mixture of sweet soil, cocopeat, vermicompost, sand, and gypsum to support growth. Following the Coastal Gradient Model, a three-layer bio-shield aims to create a natural coastal buffer with nearly 11.9 crore saplings. Native species like Mahua, Gunda, and Gundi are thriving, strengthening biodiversity and proving that scientific solutions can restore fragile landscapes sustainably.