Maharashtra’s first tree ambulance was launched in Pune
Reported by Kajal Bhukan
Pune, 5th June 2025: On the occasion of World Environment Day, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Thursday launched Maharashtra’s first “Tree Ambulance,” marking a groundbreaking step to protect Pune’s natural space. The service was officially flagged off at 10:30 AM at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj Udyan by Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, along with Additional Commissioners Prithviraj B.P. and Omprakash Divate.
Designed to provide emergency care for injured, diseased, or stressed trees across the city, the Tree Ambulance is equipped with modern tools, including hydraulic and electric chainsaws, spray machines, welding cables, bolt cutters, and safety equipment. It will facilitate critical tasks such as pruning, pest control, tree surgery, and general tree maintenance.
A team of trained experts comprising arborists, botanists, and forestry professionals will operate the service. Citizens can also report tree related issues through a dedicated helpline, enabling faster and more targeted responses.
Inspired by Chennai’s successful Tree Ambulance model, Pune’s initiative comes at a time when the city faces growing concern over the loss of green spaces due to rapid urban development and unchecked tree cutting. Local environmental groups such as Angholichi Goli and Khilemukt Zhaad, which have been advocating tree preservation for years, welcomed the move.
“This is a historic day,” said Madhav Patil, a core member of Angholichi Goli. “We have long urged PMC to create a dedicated ambulance for trees, and today that dream has come true. This is the first step toward climate action. Small initiatives like this take us closer to protecting the environment.”
Beyond emergency response, the ambulance service also aims to conduct public outreach through tree conservation awareness campaigns and educational programs. Citizens are encouraged to participate by reporting affected trees or volunteering in outreach efforts.
Citizens are encouraged not only to use the helpline to report damaged trees but also to volunteer with the initiative and spread awareness about responsible urban forestry. Officials added that the ambulance will also help enforce the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975, which mandates permissions before any tree can be harmed or felled.
