A unique gathering of environmentally conscious citizens, including a significant number of Gen Zs and millennials, converged at Pune's Ganeshkhind Garden on December 20 for a hands-on heritage tree-mapping activity. The event, held at the designated Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS), underscored a growing public interest in protecting the city's green legacy, especially as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) considers constructing a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) on a portion of this ecologically sensitive land.
A Walk Through Living History
The participants, a mix of seasoned tree-mapping volunteers and first-time visitors, explored the diverse landscape under the guidance of experts like Ameet Singh. The experience began in the historic chikoo grove, where Singh explained the foresight in its British-era planning, with trees spaced 30-40 feet apart to allow for expansive growth. The tour then moved to landmarks like Mahogany Avenue and past trees with deep historical roots.
Singh pointed out a row of mango trees with distinctive darker bark, attributing their planting to the Peshwa era. He also used a silver birch adorned with lichens—a natural indicator of clean air—to illustrate the site's relatively pollution-free environment. The group later split into smaller teams to systematically document various sections of the BHS.
The Superstar Tamarind and Digital Documentation
One team focused on the area around a stream, measuring and photographing numerous old trees. Akansha Pandey, an expert involved in the activity, explained the process. "We used measuring tape to record the girth, estimated the approximate height, and then uploaded all the data to the international application iNaturalist," she said.
Pandey revealed that the standout specimen of the day was a massive tamarind tree, which recorded an impressive circumference of approximately 530 centimetres. Beyond the flora, participants also documented fauna, reporting sightings of various bird species, including two owlets, highlighting the area's rich biodiversity.
A New Generation Connects with Pune's Past
For many young attendees, the event was an enlightening encounter with the city's ecological history. Riya Soni, a 24-year-old chef visiting for the first time, expressed her fascination. "I learned about so many tree species. It's amazing to see how the Peshwas and the British planted these magnificent trees that have survived with us for nearly 80 years after Independence," she remarked.
The engagement of younger demographics is seen as a crucial development by conservationists who have long lamented the lack of public awareness about the BHS. The event demonstrated that when people experience the space firsthand, a connection is forged. This sentiment was echoed by Usha Jagtap, an elderly first-time visitor, who called it an eye-opener and thoroughly enjoyed learning about the trees and aquatic plants.
The successful December walk has already spurred plans for a follow-up event in January, indicating sustained momentum in the citizen-led effort to document and defend Pune's green heritage against potential infrastructural threats.
