Mayor, DC and MC Chief flag off Tree ATM 4.0 - A New Chapter in Scientific Plantation Movement

Ludhiana, July 19, 2025: In a resounding display of environmental commitment, Municipal Corporation Ludhiana and District Administration, in collaboration with CityNeeds and Forest Department, successfully launched Tree ATM 4.0 and Green Guardian Awards 2025 at Pahwa Auditorium, Guru Nanak Bhawan on Saturday.

The Tree ATM 4.0 (mobile plantation service) was flagged off by Mayor Principal Inderjit Kaur, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Himanshu Jain and Municipal Corporation (MC) Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal. MC Assistant Commissioner Jasdev Singh Sekhon among other officials were also present on the occasion. 

Through Tree ATM, citizens can book plantation services at their premises giving a missed call to 8955556645. After site assessment, trained volunteers from Marshall Aid visits the site with tools and native saplings to execute professional plantation, followed by geo-tagging and monitoring.

A training workshop titled “Plantation – The Right Way” was also held during the launching of Tree ATM with insights from Dr. Balwinder Singh Lakhewali, senior environmentalist, and Dr. Brij Mohan Bhardwaj, Horticulturist and Secretary, SOCH. Topics included Importance of native species, Proper site preparation, Post-plantation care techniques and scientific methods to improve plant survival

Also, the Green Guardian Awards 2025 were presented to individuals and institutions who showed exemplary commitment in nurturing saplings planted under last year’s Tree ATM 3.0. They received certificates and recognition for achieving over 60% survival rates.
 
Mayor Principal Inderjit Kaur stated that tree plantation is not just an environmental action — it's a social responsibility. "I am proud that Ludhiana is leading with such a thoughtful and sustainable model like Tree ATM. This initiative reflects the spirit of our citizens who are ready to not only plant trees but also take care of them. I urge all institutions, residents, and youth to come forward and be caretakers of this green legacy,” added Mayor. 

DC Himanshu Jain shared that the Tree ATM is a shining example of how technology, community involvement, and structured monitoring can come together for impactful governance. With geo-tagging, survival audits, and community accountability, we are ensuring that every tree planted counts. This model is scalable, replicable, and a proud initiative of Ludhiana District Administration.

MC Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal stated that the real success of any plantation drive lies not in numbers planted, but in the percentage that survive and grow. Tree ATM 4.0 is setting a new standard for urban afforestation. We remain committed to providing logistical and on-ground support to make Ludhiana greener and cleaner.

MC Assistant Commissioner Jasdev Sekhon informed that bookings are open and citizens can book plantation services at their premises by giving a Missed call to 8955556645 or online at https://tinyurl.com/TreeATM4 and the service remains completely free, including saplings, tools, and labour. “However, the selection will be stringent to ensure commitment and site readiness,” he added.

Founder of City Needs, Maneet Dewan shared that out of the 22,000 saplings planted last year, 54% survived, with protected sites recording up to 80% success rate. “This year, we are only selecting fenced and monitored sites, with an aim to achieve at least 70% survival rate,” he added.

Maneet Dewan expresses gratitude to its partners – Act Humane for financial support, Marshall Aid for execution, Neki Ki Rasoi for providing meals to volunteers and Dr. Pandhi Small Idea Great Idea for Coordination.