Nagpur: Nearly 5,000 trees across Nagpur will soon undergo scientific health and risk assessment using artificial intelligence (AI) and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) launched its Smart Tree Assessment project on Wednesday.
The pilot initiative, facilitated through the efforts of Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, was inaugurated by mayor Neeta Thakre at Deekshabhoomi. A specialised survey vehicle equipped with LiDAR scanners and AI-based analytical tools was unveiled during the event.
Thakre inspected the technology and travelled in the survey vehicle operated by Treecotech Arboriculture Solution and Greehill. Experts demonstrated how the non-invasive system can rapidly evaluate trees without causing damage while producing detailed health and safety reports.
Digital Twins for Urban Trees
The project aims to create digital twins of trees — detailed virtual replicas containing information such as GPS location, species, age, height, trunk dimensions, canopy spread, health status, structural condition and ecological value. Officials said the technology will help assess tree health, structural stability and safety risks while generating recommendations for maintenance and conservation.
"Vehicle-mounted LiDAR systems will scan trees across selected locations. The data will be processed through AI models to create digital twins and identify potential risks. Certified arborists will then verify the findings on the ground before detailed health, risk and maintenance reports are prepared and integrated into digital platforms," deputy municipal commissioner (garden department) Ganesh Rathod told TOI.
The survey will be conducted by a multidisciplinary team comprising project coordinators, AI specialists, certified arborists, GIS professionals, LiDAR operators, and technical support staff.
Comprehensive Data Collection
Officials said the exercise will generate a comprehensive 3D tree inventory along with risk assessment reports covering structural weaknesses, canopy decline, and pest or disease stress. Ward-wise and species-wise data will also be compiled, enabling authorities to identify vulnerable trees and prioritise interventions such as pruning, treatment and preservation.
According to officials, the project will promote data-driven urban forestry management, improve public safety through early identification of hazardous trees, and quantify ecological benefits such as carbon sequestration and shade generation. If successful, the initiative could be expanded citywide, creating a digital tree inventory and serving as a model for AI-enabled urban tree management in India.
Key Outcomes of the Tree Health Survey
- Digital Twin For Every Tree: 3D digital profile with GPS location, species, age, canopy spread, health status and safety rating.
- Early Risk Detection: Identification of structurally weak, diseased, pest-affected and potentially hazardous trees before failure occurs.
- Public Safety Boost: Scientific assessment of tree stability to prevent branch falls and tree collapse incidents.
- Maintenance Roadmap: Tree-specific recommendations for pruning, treatment, preservation and long-term care.
- Urban Forestry Planning: Ward-wise and species-wise data to guide plantation drives and policy decisions.
- Environmental Valuation: Assessment of ecological benefits such as carbon sequestration, shade cover and biodiversity support.
- Predictive Monitoring: Digital twins will enable long-term monitoring and future health trend analysis.
- Citywide Tree Inventory: Creation of Nagpur's first comprehensive digital database of urban trees.
- Smart City Integration: Tree health reports to be integrated into digital platforms for data-driven governance.
- Scalable Model: Pilot can be expanded across Nagpur and replicated in other cities as a national model for AI-powered urban forestry.
Survey Will Assess
- Structural stability
- Tree health and vitality
- Canopy condition
- Pest and disease stress
- Safety factor/risk category
- Environmental benefits
- Maintenance requirements
- Growth and preservation needs
The inauguration was attended by MLC Sanjay Bhende, MLA Pravin Datke, deputy mayor Leela Hathibed, standing committee chairperson Shivani Dani-Wakhare, ruling party leader Narendra Borkar, municipal commissioner Vipin Itankar, AIMIM group leader Shakil Patel, former MLC Anil Sole, corporators and senior civic officials. Representatives of Treecotech Arboriculture Solution, Nanaji Deshmukh Pratishthan, and Green Vigil Foundation were also present.
