Delhi’s Green Renaissance: MCD Triples Tree Ambulance Fleet to Tackle Urban Tree Health Crisis

The Capital’s innovative approach to saving trees from diseases, pests, and concretization.

In an initiative, the Horticulture Department of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is set to triple its fleet of tree ambulances, ensuring a dedicated vehicle for each of its 12 administrative zones by 2024. This move comes as a response to directives from the Delhi High Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT), signalling a significant step forward in the city’s preservation of its urban greenery.

Tree Ambulances: An Urgent Response to Nature’s Ailments

Established last year in compliance with court orders, the existing fleet of four tree ambulances has proven to be a lifeline for the city’s trees. According to MCD officials, these specialized vehicles conducted 353 surgeries in the past year, breathing new life into hollow and infected trees. The surgeries are a crucial response to termite infestations, diseases, and the detrimental effects of concretization.

Judicial Mandate Spurs Green Revolution

The Delhi High Court, in a May 2022 directive, mandated the erstwhile corporations of Delhi and land-owning agencies to establish a tree disease surgery unit, procure tree ambulances, and deploy specialized arborists to safeguard the city’s trees. While the tree ambulances were swiftly launched, the establishment of the surgery unit is still pending, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to tree health.

Surgery for Trees: A Delicate Procedure

Tree ambulances respond to complaints or reports from field staff regarding pest-infested, hollow, or drying trees. A standard tree surgery procedure spans two to three years, involving the meticulous process of removing infected or hollowed-out parts, cleaning, washing, and applying insecticides to combat pests. The hollowed-out areas are filled with inert foam, covered with chicken mesh, plaster of Paris, and a thin layer of cement to ensure the tree’s resilience against weather conditions.

Urban Ecologists and Tree Health Advocates Applaud the Initiative

Vallari Sheel, an urban ecologist, emphasizes the significance of tree ambulances in addressing common tree ailments. A recent tree census conducted by Sheel in Vasant Vihar revealed that 70%-80% of trees were “unhealthy” due to concretization, damage, and diseases. Sheel attests that tree ambulances play a crucial role in addressing small infections caused by factors like nails, wires, or bending. Termite infestations, according to Sheel, can be a sign of a tree in distress, but timely intervention can often save the tree.

Counting Trees and Geo-Tagging for a Sustainable Future

In a proactive move, the MCD initiated a 15-day tree census in December, collecting data on concretization status and identifying diseased or hollow trees. The ongoing effort includes the pruning of weak or old trees and geo-tagging through AI technology, a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving its green cover. The Mayor, Dr Shaili Oberoi, has set a deadline to complete the counting work, demonstrating the urgency and dedication to this conservation initiative.

A Holistic Approach: Preserving Old Trees and Planting Anew

The Horticulture Department underscores the importance of saving old and weak trees, especially during storms and rains. This concerted effort aims not only to protect existing greenery but also to increase the overall green cover in Delhi. The department has planted approximately 85,000 trees in the current year, with plans underway to transplant trees at various locations. The city’s campaign to save its trees reflects a broader commitment to urban sustainability and environmental conservation.

In conclusion, Delhi’s ambitious expansion of its tree ambulance fleet stands as a testament to its commitment to environmental preservation. As the city gears up for a greener future, the tripling of tree ambulances and ongoing conservation efforts signify a step in the right direction, ensuring a thriving urban ecosystem for generations to come.

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