Now, an ambulance for our many-limbed friends

A four-limbed creature being medically treated is routine. The NDMC now has plans to clear infections and heal wounds of some of Delhi's multi-limbed — rather, branched — residents. That's right, the area's 10,000 trees, reports Neelam Pandey .

A four-limbed creature being medically treated is routine. The NDMC now has plans to clear infections and heal wounds of some of Delhi's multi-limbed — rather, branched — residents. That's right, the area's 10,000 trees.

HT Image

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has decided to launch a tree ambulance as part of its mission to train horticulture staff in arboriculture.

Arboriculture is the cultivation, and management of trees within a landscape.

“Apart from introducing a tree ambulance, our staff will learn how trees grow and respond to the environment. They will be trained to carry out surgery and removal of decayed parts of trees,” said a senior NDMC official.

How will the tree ambulance work?

Apart from treating infected and diseased trees, the ambulance will also carry out routine inspection of trees in New Delhi areas. Trees often suffer from termite — white ant — attacks, sometimes leaves develop gall formation wherein spots develop on the leaves. The ambulance will be equipped to tackle all these and other diseases too.

“There are many old trees and plants in the New Delhi area that need to be taken care of at regular intervals. The ambulance will be equipped with facility like tree washers, sprayers and chain saws among others,” added the official.

According to experts, trees in Lutyens' Delhi are quite old and need to be cared for properly. “We are happy that the NDMC is introducing a tree ambulance,” said Prabhakar Rao, member of Kalpavriksh, Environmental Action Group.