17-07-2025
‘Tree ATM 4.0' to be launched, Ludhiana residents can avail of free saplings
As part of a move towards environmental sustainability, the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation (MC), in collaboration with NGO CityNeeds, the district administration, and the forest department, will organise a green event at Pahwa Auditorium, Guru Nanak Bhawan, Ludhiana, from 10 am to 12 noon on Saturday.
The day will begin with a training workshop on 'Plantation – The Right Way', designed to train students, volunteers, and Eco Club leaders in effective and scientific plantation practices.
The speakers will highlight the importance of native species, site preparation and post-care techniques, scientific methods for plant survival and Dos and Don'ts of community plantations.
The Green Guardian Awards 2025 will be presented to individuals and institutions who demonstrated exceptional care of saplings planted under last year's Tree ATM 3.0 campaign. Following the award ceremony, Tree ATM 4.0 will be formally flagged off.
Through this initiative, citizens can book a free tree plantation at their site. After evaluation, volunteers will visit with tools and native saplings to conduct professional plantation, supported by geo-tagging and follow-up checks.
The CityNeeds Tree ATM has now entered its fourth year. The survival rate of last year's plantation was 54 per cent overall, but those planted within a boundary wall or fencing were found to be 80 per cent, said Maneet Dewan, founder of CityNeeds. 'Thus, we have decided not to plant saplings in public areas without tree guards and aim for a 70 per cent survival rate of plants this year.'
Bookings for Tree ATM 4.0 have already started and can be done at
'Service is free. It includes saplings, tools and trained volunteers, but we will be very particular about the site selection,' said MC officer Jasdev Sekhon. 'Site must have fencing, water supply and a designated caretaker,' he added.
