In a groundbreaking move for urban environmental conservation, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has unveiled the city's—and potentially India's—first dedicated tree ambulance service. This innovative pilot project aims to provide emergency medical and maintenance services for the metropolis's ailing and damaged trees, offering a new lease of life to its green canopy.
A Mobile Hospital for Kolkata's Green Giants
The specially designed electric mini-truck, which functions as a mobile tree clinic, was officially inaugurated recently. The project, costing approximately Rs 12.5 lakh, was funded from the MLA development fund of Debasish Kumar, the Member of Mayor-in-Council (MMIC) for Parks and Gardens and the MLA for the Rashbehari constituency. Kumar stated that this is a pilot project, and if successful, more such ambulances could be deployed across the city.
The vehicle is a marvel of functional design, measuring 7.5 meters long and 8.5 meters wide. It was built over three months at a workshop in Sonarpur under the guidance of the KMC's mechanical department. An engineer involved highlighted that the design allows the ambulance to navigate narrow pathways within the city's gardens. The ambulance is packed with essential tools, including:
- A tree pruning chainsaw and brush cutter
- An earth auger and various pumps
- A telescopic ladder and portable generator
- Garden tools, helmets, ropes, and hoses
- An overhead water carrier of 200 litres and a secondary 50-litre tank
Comprehensive Emergency and Care Services
The tree ambulance is not just for transportation; it's a fully equipped first-response unit. Sanjay Jaisingh, founder of the environmental NGO Mithri Mitti and a tree transplantation expert, will be responsible for maintaining and operating the vehicle, which will be stationed near Entally Police Station. Jaisingh outlined the ambulance's primary functions: to act as an emergency responder for uprooted, dangerously tilted, or storm-affected trees. Services will include on-site stabilization, pruning, and safe relocation where possible.
Beyond emergencies, the service will offer comprehensive arboricultural care. This includes the diagnosis and treatment of pests (like rat infestations), fungal infections, and nutrient deficiencies. It will also perform surgeries on hollow trunks, prune dead branches, remove harmful nails and wires, and improve soil quality around tree bases. A significant component will be spreading public awareness about tree care.
Community Impact and Future Vision
The inauguration event saw the presence of primary school students from National High School, symbolizing the initiative's focus on the future. The school's principal, Anupama Ajitsaria, expressed strong support, noting that such an initiative could significantly reduce the mortality rate of trees and help restore old and ailing heritage trees that are part of Kolkata's legacy.
For Kolkata residents, accessing this service is straightforward. A toll-free helpline number, 18001236219, has been established for citizens to request free tree maintenance-related services in their locality. By integrating emergency response with preventive care and public education, Kolkata's tree ambulance represents a holistic model for urban forestry management that other Indian cities may soon look to emulate.
