Bangkok to Green Eastern Suburbs with 1 Million Trees

[webfact]

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

In an ambitious environmental initiative, Bangkok's City Hall aims to plant over a million trees across the city's eastern suburbs by next April, as part of an effort to enhance urban greenery and improve air quality.

 

Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced the project, targeting the sprawling districts of East Bangkok, with Nong Chok district set to receive the highest number of trees at 400,000, followed by Klong Sam Wa and Lat Krabang at 300,000 each.

 

The initiative is expected to see substantial progress by the end of this year, with the bulk of planting completed across most districts. However, Klong Sam Wa's planting will wrap up in March next year, followed by Nong Chok in April.

 

Mr Chadchart highlighted that the selected tree species will be low-maintenance and locations chosen will have ready access to water trucks, ensuring the trees' successful growth.

 

Public areas near roads and waterways are earmarked for planting, and local communities are encouraged to participate actively in the project. However, fruit trees are deliberately excluded due to the complexity of their maintenance and the mess created by falling fruit.

 

 

 

City Hall's Department of Environment has the task of selecting tree species appropriate for various areas, potentially enhancing the attractiveness of local tourist sites. Trees capable of filtering fine dust are particularly sought after to address air pollution concerns.

 

In related efforts to improve the city’s infrastructure, Mr Chadchart addressed ongoing work on Asok Road's pavements. The road connects key transit systems such as the BTS Skytrain and the MRT, and is lined with offices, condos, and schools. However, the sidewalks, laid three decades ago, are now prone to subsidence.

 

Despite delays in a separate project by the Metropolitan Electricity Authority to move power lines underground, City Hall is proceeding with pavement repairs. In the face of this delay, Mr Chadchart affirmed the city's commitment to overhauling the pavements, highlighting efforts to enhance safety and accessibility for the busy corridor.

 

This sweeping tree-planting programme represents a significant step forward in City Hall's environmental strategy, seeking not only to green the cityscape but also to involve local communities in sustainable urban development.

 

With a budget reportedly set in millions, the equivalent cost in Thai Baht reflects the project’s extensive scope and future benefits, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-03-18

 

 

[Photoguy21]

It may not achieve their aims but it is a good initiative anyway.