The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has inaugurated a ‘Tree Clinic Van’ on World Environment Day, June 5.
This initiative aims to provide on-site care for injured trees and foster a culture of tree protection and plantation among citizens. The Tree Clinic Van is equipped with specialized tools to address common tree ailments. It will remove harmful items like nails and metal wires, repair damaged tree cages, and offer expert advice on tree health. This mobile service is designed to reach various parts of the city, ensuring that trees receive timely care and attention.
Ashok Ghorpade, Chief Garden Superintendent and Member Secretary of the Tree Authority Department, emphasized the importance of this initiative in promoting urban green health. “The Tree Clinic Van will cover injured trees by removing nails, metal wires, or damaged cages. Besides, following expert advice from botanists and tree experts, it will raise public awareness about tree plantation, protection, and care,” Ghorpade stated. This move aligns with PMC’s ongoing ‘Plant Trees, Save Trees’ campaign, which underscores the significance of maintaining and expanding Pune’s green cover. The campaign encourages citizens to actively participate in tree conservation efforts and contribute to a healthier urban environment.
To facilitate public involvement, PMC has provided multiple channels for reporting injured or neglected trees. Citizens can reach out via the toll-free number 18001030222, WhatsApp at 9689900002, the chatbot at 8888251001, or visit the official complaints portal at www.complaints.pmc.gov.in. In addition to the Tree Clinic Van, PMC has launched a new Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) van to spread messages about tree conservation and urban environmental responsibility. This mobile unit will travel across the city, conducting awareness programs and engaging with local communities to promote sustainable practices.
As part of its green initiatives, PMC has also organized a tree plantation drive, planting 3,879 saplings across various departments. The civic body is offering local saplings at a nominal cost of ₹5 each to citizens and voluntary organizations from June 5 to August 14. Saplings can be collected from the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Garden Nursery, located near Balgandharva Rangmandir on Jungli Maharaj Road, between 8 am and 4 pm (excluding Sundays and public holidays). For more details, citizens can contact 9689930024 and 9689938523. This comprehensive approach by PMC not only addresses the immediate needs of urban trees but also fosters a sense of responsibility among citizens towards environmental conservation. By integrating tree care with public awareness and active participation, Pune is setting a commendable example for other cities striving for sustainable urban development.
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