KMC’s ‘Tree Ambulance’ saves 150 trees in 80 days, removes nails and ad boards

In a significant step toward protecting Kolkata’s shrinking green cover, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s (KMC) “Tree Ambulance” has treated over 150 distressed trees in just 80 days. Launched on December 5 last year, the electric vehicle operates as a mobile hospital, providing urgent care to trees damaged by rusted nails, iron cages, electric wires and advertisement boards hammered into their trunks. The initiative has offered visible relief to trees long subjected to neglect and mechanical injury.

Designed to navigate narrow lanes across the city, the Tree Ambulance is equipped with angle grinders, drill machines and scientific pruning tools. Teams remove embedded metal objects and wires before applying anti-bacterial medicines and fungicides to prevent termite attacks and infections. A 250-litre water tank and portable generator enable on-site treatment, making the service swift and effective in both residential and commercial areas.

Environmental experts have welcomed the initiative, noting that tree bark serves as a vital protective layer. Damage caused by nails and boards exposes trees to infections and structural weakness. Professor Tarit Raychaudhuri of Jadavpur University observed that improper branch balance and weakened roots have contributed to trees collapsing during recent cyclones, and said scientific pruning under this programme could significantly reduce such risks.

Officials emphasise that preserving mature trees is crucial for environmental sustainability. A fully grown tree absorbs substantially more carbon and releases far greater oxygen than numerous newly planted saplings, making conservation of old trees essential for maintaining Kolkata’s ecological balance.

The ambulance was prepared at an estimated cost of ₹12.5 lakh from the MLA fund of Rasbehari legislator and Mayor-in-Council (Parks Department) Debasish Kumar. Complaints received daily through the corporation’s toll-free number have guided operations, with New Alipore, Ballygunge, Shyambazar and Maniktala reporting the highest number of distressed trees. The civic body now plans to introduce more such ambulances to safeguard the city’s green heritage from untimely decline.