Pune Goes Green: PMC Launches Tree Ambulance And Helpline On World Environment Day

In an effort to maintain Pune’s ecological balance and ensure healthy urban temperatures, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), through its Garden Department and Tree Authority, has launched a large-scale plantation and preservation initiative. The programme includes the plantation of native tree species, the inauguration of a Tree Clinic Van (Ambulance), and the rollout of an Environmental Awareness IEC Vehicle.

On the occasion of World Environment Day, a series of initiatives under the Van Mahotsav campaign were inaugurated on June 5, 2025 at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Garden, Jangli Maharaj Road, Shivajinagar. The event was led by Naval Kishore Ram, Municipal Commissioner and Chairperson of the Tree Authority, and Prithviraj B.P., Additional Municipal Commissioner (Estate), along with several dignitaries.

Key Highlights of the Event:

• Tree Plantation Drive: A massive plantation of local species is planned this year by the Tree Authority. As part of this, saplings were distributed at subsidised rates to interested citizens and NGOs. Planting was carried out at the event site.
• Tree Clinic Van Inaugurated (Tree Ambulance): The newly introduced Tree Clinic Van initiative aims to provide first-aid care to trees. It includes removing nails, iron wires, and damaged materials from trees and ensuring their overall health. The vehicle will be operated by specialists and arborists. Citizens can raise complaints or suggestions via the PMC Care Helpline:
  • Phone: 9146383383
  • Toll-Free: 18001030222
  • WhatsApp: 9689900002
  • Chatbot: 8888251001
  • Website: www.complaints.pmc.gov.in
  The NGO “Angholichi Goli”, led by Madhav Patil and Ayuta Rangole, is supporting this initiative through their “Nail-Free Trees” campaign.
• Environmental Awareness Vehicle (IEC Van): PMC has launched a new vehicle to promote awareness about environmental conservation, tree care, and sustainability among the city’s residents.
• Seed Ball Distribution: In partnership with Atul Salagare of Navchaitanya Hasya Yoga Parivar and the PMC’s Environment Department, 4,000 seed balls were prepared and distributed.
• Organic Compost Distribution: Organic manure prepared by PMC’s Solid Waste Management Department was distributed to residents.

Dignitaries and Officials in Attendance: Dr. Ashok D. Ghorpade, Chief Garden Superintendent and Member Secretary, Tree Authority, Aniruddha Pavaskar, Chief Engineer, Road Department, Jayant Bhosale, Deputy Commissioner, Motor Vehicle Department, Sandeep Kadam, Deputy Commissioner, Solid Waste Management, Sandeep Khalate, Deputy Commissioner, Encroachment and Unauthorized Construction Removal, Mangesh Dighe, Environmental Officer, Rajesh Bankar, Executive Engineer, Construction Permit Department, Govind Dangat, Assistant Commissioner and Tree Officer, Former committee members Madhuri Sahasrabuddhe, Sandeep Kale, and Shilpa Bhosale. Also present were PMC Garden Department officials: Santosh Kumar Kamble, Garden Superintendent, Preeti Prasad, Garden Superintendent, Dhananjay Gaikwad, Executive Engineer, Snehal Harpale and Shruti Gawade, Assistant Garden Superintendents, Horticulture department workers, engineers, clerical staff, and supporting employees. 

Massive Tree Plantation Target Achieved:

A total of 3,879 trees were planted across the city under the World Environment Day initiatives:

• Tree Authority: 1,443 trees
• Garden Department: 56 trees
• Self-help groups under Amrut Van Yojana: 300 trees
• Road Department: 200 trees
• River Improvement Project: 1,250 trees
• City Beautification Cell & Builders’ Associations (NAREDCO, CREDAI, Marathi Builders): 210 trees
• Building Department: 220 trees
• Serum Institute & Ashok Kulkarni, and other NGOs: 200 trees

Subsidized Sapling and Compost Distribution:

From June 5 to August 14, 2025, saplings of native species (aged 1 to 1.5 years) will be distributed at Rs. 5 per sapling to interested citizens and NGOs. Organic compost prepared by PMC’s Solid Waste Management Department will also be available.

Distribution Timings:

• Location: Nursery at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Garden, near Balgandharva Rangmandir, J M Road, Shivajinagar, Pune 411005
• Timings: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (except Sundays and public holidays)

Contact for More Information:

• Nehal Harpale, Assistant Garden Superintendent – Mob: 9689930024
• Ratnakar Karade – Mob: 9689938523

The campaign aligns with PMC’s vision of a “Greener Pune” and encourages maximum public participation to support the “Plant Trees, Save Trees” mission.