Maharashtra’s First ‘Tree Ambulance’ to Debut in Pune on World Environment Day
Reported by Akshata Pawar
Pune, 2nd June 2025: In a pioneering move, Maharashtra will introduce its first-ever Tree Ambulance on June 5, coinciding with World Environment Day. The service, designed to offer emergency assistance and care to injured or diseased trees, will be officially launched at 10 AM at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Garden in Pune. The initiative marks a notable advancement in the state’s urban environmental efforts.
This development stems from years of sustained work by environmental advocates and local groups devoted to urban forest preservation. Campaigns such as “Angholichi Goli” and “Khilemukt Zhaad” have been active for over seven years, focusing on removing metal objects, including nails, from trees to minimize damage. Their consistent advocacy has drawn media coverage and public interest, motivating civic bodies to adopt greener policies.
Madhav Patil, a core member of the Angholichi Goli campaign, expressed optimism about the project. “Some of us work on the ground, others spread awareness through media. The Tree Ambulance is the result of all these combined efforts,” he said, emphasizing the collective responsibility for tree protection. He also acknowledged the contribution of Ashok Ghorpade, who heads the Pune Municipal Corporation’s Garden Department, for taking the initiative in implementing the idea.
Functioning as a fast-acting unit, the Tree Ambulance will respond to trees affected by injuries or diseases, providing on-site care. Experts believe the service could be a game changer, particularly given the increasing environmental stress caused by climate change.
Launched on a globally recognized environmental observance, the project underscores the importance of not only planting trees but also ensuring their well-being—a shift toward more proactive and holistic environmental stewardship.
