Pimpri Chinchwad has launched an ambitious initiative to plant 1.5 lakh native trees along major roads across the municipal region. The project, rolled out for the financial year 2025–26, aims to significantly enhance green cover, regulate temperatures, and combat deteriorating air quality across the industrial township. Conceived and implemented under the strategic direction of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), the tree plantation drive will see indigenous species planted at regular 10-metre intervals along arterial and sub-arterial roads. The civic administration has prioritised stretches lacking existing green buffers, ensuring that urban heat islands are specifically addressed through thoughtful plantation.
What sets this effort apart is its ecological intelligence—choosing species like Neem, Peepal, Kadamba, Bakul, and Tamhan, which are both climate-resilient and culturally significant. These species are better adapted to the local soil, require minimal maintenance, and support native biodiversity, from birds to pollinators. Beyond aesthetics and environment, the initiative embeds inclusive governance.
The city has actively engaged resident associations, local NGOs, corporates under their CSR mandates, and elected representatives, making it not just a municipal mission but a collective movement. Tree guards made of bamboo and iron are being installed alongside to prevent damage and ensure survival in early growth years. Over 19,500 saplings have already been planted by the end of July 2025, signalling strong early momentum. PCMC also plans to integrate these green belts with future non-motorised mobility corridors and public transport infrastructure, reinforcing its long-term vision of a pedestrian-friendly and climate-resilient city.
While tree plantation drives are often symbolic, Pimpri Chinchwad’s approach stands out for its scale, community participation, and ecological integrity. If sustained, the green corridors could not only redefine the urban landscape but also serve as a replicable model for mid-sized Indian cities seeking climate action through localised, nature-based solutions.In an era of rising urban pollution and shrinking tree cover, Pimpri Chinchwad’s green push may very well set the benchmark for proactive, people-led, and nature-integrated urban governance.
Also Read :Mumbai Tunnel Project Faces Tree Felling, Supreme Court Approves
