Pune: PMC To Launch ‘Tree Ambulance’ and Helpline From June 5 To Safeguard City’s Green Cover
Pune: PMC To Launch 'Tree Ambulance' and Helpline From June 5 To Safeguard City’s Green Cover
Renuka Suryavanshi
Pune, May 14, 2025: In a major initiative to protect Pune’s urban greenery, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has announced the launch of a ‘Tree Ambulance’ service along with a dedicated helpline, aimed at addressing the deteriorating condition of the city’s trees. The initiative will officially commence on June 5, coinciding with World Environment Day.
The ‘Tree Ambulance’ is designed to tackle challenges such as damage from roadside development and the harmful practice of nailing unauthorized advertisements and banners onto tree trunks, which significantly reduces their lifespan. Pune is home to several old and ecologically vital trees, particularly along major roads, and ongoing development projects have increasingly posed threats to their survival. While the PMC does undertake replantation in areas affected by construction, growing damage to existing trees remains a concern.
PMC Additional Commissioner Om Prakash Divate said the initiative will involve a comprehensive survey of the city’s trees. “All nails and other foreign objects embedded in tree trunks will be carefully removed, and any structural obstructions to their growth will be dismantled. The Tree Ambulance will be equipped with trained personnel skilled in tree care and maintenance,” Divate stated.
The PMC’s Garden Department will collaborate on this initiative to ensure holistic care for every tree. “Trees play a crucial role in environmental conservation. Unfortunately, many are being cut down for infrastructure projects or fall due to storms. Improper maintenance has increased the mortality rate among city trees,” Divate added. He further emphasized the need to eliminate the practice of nailing advertisements into trees and called for active participation from NGOs and citizens to support the campaign.
In addition to the ambulance, PMC is considering launching a helpline for tree conservation. Through this helpline, residents can report any concerns related to trees in their locality, and the Tree Ambulance team will respond promptly.
Dr.Ashok D.Ghorpade, Chief Garden Suptd.Garden Dept. & Member Secretary of Tree Authority, Pune Municipal Corporation said, “In Pune, the Municipal Corporation is launching a “वृक्ष रुग्णवाहिका” (tree ambulance) program to address the health and maintenance needs of trees in the city. This initiative aims to help trees growing along roads by removing nails, providing first aid, and ensuring overall tree health.”
Key Features of the Tree Ambulance Service:
Focus on Tree Health: Diagnosing and treating tree diseases, injuries, and environmental stress.
First Aid for Trees: Providing immediate care to trees in distress, similar to human emergency services.
Expert Care: Services will be delivered by trained professionals, including botanists, forestry experts, and tree surgeons.
Public Outreach: The initiative will also include awareness campaigns and educational programs to promote tree care and conservation among residents.
The PMC hopes this initiative will become a model for urban green management and urges community involvement to ensure the city’s trees thrive for generations to come.
