The tree ambulance

December 16, 2025

Kolkata has introduced its first-ever tree ambulance, becoming one of the few Indian cities—and the first major city in eastern India—to offer emergency medical care for trees under distress. The initiative, launched last week, has been widely welcomed by environmental experts who see it as a timely intervention for a city struggling with declining green cover.

The tree ambulance has been launched by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) using MLA funds from Debasish Kumar, who is also the mayoral council member in charge of parks and squares. Manufactured at a cost of Rs 12.5 lakh, the vehicle will provide free services for trees in public spaces and will be operated by a city-based non-profit organisation. Citizens can access the service by calling the toll-free number 18001236219.

Launching the facility at Rabindra Sarobar, one of Kolkata’s key green zones, Kumar said the project was based on recommendations from an ongoing tree census. “This is a first-of-its-kind initiative in eastern India. It is a pilot project and will be expanded depending on public demand,” he said. Several environmental experts, councillors and senior civic officials were present at the launch.
The pilot tree census, conducted by KMC through a non-profit agency, has so far covered nearly one-fourth of the city. Findings show that around six per cent of trees in the surveyed areas are unbalanced, with nearly one-third of them at high risk of being uprooted, especially during storms.

Environmental experts have stressed the importance of the initiative, citing Kolkata’s shrinking green cover. According to a recent UN report, Kolkata has warmed by 2.67 degrees Celsius over the past six decades, making it one of the fastest-warming cities globally. The India State of Forest Report also indicates that the city lost nearly 30 per cent of its forest cover between 2011 and 2021, with only marginal recovery since.
The census further revealed that in 50 square kilometres—about one-fourth of the city—there are roughly 44,500 trees, translating to just four trees per 100 residents. Human interference has worsened the situation, with exposed roots, concretisation, and the use of trees for hoardings and nails increasing vulnerability. Nearly half the trees are over 20 feet tall, making them especially prone to cyclone damage.
Officials said the tree ambulance will prioritise highly vulnerable trees. Its services will include stabilisation of tilted trees, pruning, safe relocation, and treatment using biocides and fungicides. The facility is expected to play a crucial role in preserving Kolkata’s fragile urban greenery amid rising climate risks.