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Time of India
21-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Citizens take geotagging of Pune's green cover into their own hands
1 2 3 4 5 6 Pune: Critical data gaps have come to the fore in the official tree count done by authorities in the city. Now, a growing number of residents, conservationists and biodiversity experts have been galvanized to take mapping, monitoring and protecting existing green cover into their own hands. In the absence of a transparent and updated tree census, citizen-led geotagging initiatives are helping track species health, survival rates, and urban biodiversity across key hills, riverbanks, and forest patches in the city. On the hills You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune At the Chatushrungi, Taljai and ARAI hills, members of the Green Hills Group, like Gaurav Rathi, are geotagging newly planted saplings using a custom-built app TrackMyTree by CoReCo technologies that stores species name, planting date, GPS location, height, girth and even the caretaker assigned. "We've geotagged 700 trees on Chatushrungi hill already. Our aim is data-driven monitoring of plant growth rates, comparing species performance, and identifying which species thrive best in different terrains," Rathi told TOI. The scale of the initiative is growing steadily, with 50-80 volunteers participating each weekend. At Taljai hill alone, over 1,200 trees have been tagged, and at ARAI, another 700. The group's barcode-based system ensures that every sapling planted is linked to its caretaker and location, forming the foundation for a long-term citizen science project. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The need for such initiatives became glaringly evident in 2024, when over 150 residents around Taljai hill alleged that authorities had hacked trees without proper permission passes and adequate information. Protesters claimed that during the forest department drive to remove gliricidia trees on the tekdi, contractors also cut down indigenous trees. "There was no clear distinction being made. Native trees were cut indiscriminately," said Mandar Joshi, a resident of Sinhagad Road. An FIR was lodged, but the incident underscored a deeper concern: the absence of a public, up-to-date tree database. In response, Joshi and a few other residents of Sahakarnagar also began mapping what remained of the trees on the same hill. "We started with existing paths on the hill. We began taking photos, recording GPS coordinates and putting this all up on open-source data collection portal Epicollect. Our aim was to document the native species before they vanished," he said. Over time, they geotagged multiple trees and identified over 200 native species in the area — out of around 600-700 species found across Pune, although most remain undocumented. "These are not just trees, they form ecosystems. We saw pockets of pure native forest, untouched by non-native species. But even those are now at risk," said Joshi. Along the rivers At the same time, Pune River Revival (PRR) — a volunteer collective of citizens aiming to conserve the city's rivers — is meticulously documenting existing trees along the Mula river, including in biodiversity-rich areas like Pimple Nilakh and Vishalnagar. "Tree mapping activity initially started as a citizen engagement programme in Dec last year, where people were made aware about the natural heritage around them. These biodiverse green patches play a significant role in maintaining the city's delicate ecological balance. The activity evolved over time as we documented habitats, biodiversity and fauna along the riverbanks. Participants enjoyed being with nature and learned of the close connection between the health of rivers and our society," said Mrinal Vaidya, a PRR volunteer. For their task, PRR uses the ConnecTree tool developed by the Pune Knowledge Cluster (PKC) — a body established by the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser, Govt. of India — helping them in data collection and visualization. Supplementing the exercise is also the open data collection platform Epicollect. Participants enter tree details like species, girth, GPS location and leaf patterns, along with any other available data. The inputs are verified by PKC via experts from NGO Nisarg Sevak. New volunteers, often unfamiliar with tree taxonomy, are trained on how to take accurate measurements and input reliable data. PRR conducts tree mapping activities on weekends and covers an average of 200 trees in total on both days. Users said ConnecTree allows for mapping, tracking, and monitoring growth and health of tree saplings to enable a better survival rate. The system allows a collaborative approach between citizens, activist groups, corporates and local govt bodies to better manage tree plantations over their nurturing period. "The platform helps foster better citizen engagement and enables a collaborative approach, aimed at nurturing a sense of ownership and involvement in urban forestry initiatives among the public," said Shirish Kanitkar, in-charge of the environment and vertical sustainability department at PKC. "Tree mapping is more than just data entry," said Akanksha Pandey, another PRR volunteer, adding, "It's a way to know our city's rich and beautiful ecological biodiversity and how it affects us. It has helped increase awareness about the riparian zone in the heart of Pune. The temperature inside the dense canopy of trees during even peak summer heat in April remains many degrees lower than outside. This helps citizens understand the benefit of preserving such dense tree cover. " Shailaja Deshpande, founder of Jeevitnadi, which has been working in the river conservation sphere for several years, agreed. She told TOI, "The root cause of launching this mapping activity was to make people understand that riparian zones are unique ecosystems, where only specific species grow in natural belts of the river. Unfortunately, these zones are not protected under policy. However, they are critically important as flowing freshwater ecosystems, irrespective of urban or rural areas. These precious habitats are key for sustenance as they act as buffers to control temperature, reduce flood risks, recharge groundwater, and filter pollutants." "At present, there is not much documentation available. So, our activity serves as a good citizen-driven science project for the benefit of Pune. More than 200 participants have joined so far and around 3.75km has been covered in five months," added Pandey. Participant Ajay Homkar, a software architect, shared, "Tree mapping has become a part of my weekend morning routine. It's a fantastic way to connect with rivers, trees, people and biodiversity. A lot needs to be done. We need many citizens to join efforts. This is just the beginning of a long journey towards restoration of biodiversity in urban areas and beyond." In concrete jungles While some residents are taking part in geotagging to ensure better data records, others are hoping to use the data to ensure that trees they plant are looked after and survive. For instance, residents of Balewadi took it upon themselves to ensure that the saplings planted along the main stretch of Baner-Balewadi road thrive. "We lost many avenue trees when Metro work commenced. At present, there is no shade to wait on several patches along the main road. This presents difficulties for bikers and pedestrians, especially during summer," said area resident Ameya Jagtap. "As residents of the area, not only do we find shade-less roads jarring, but the massive green cover loss because of Metro work is a major trigger. This summer, Balewadi experienced extreme temperatures. Trees are the only way to deal with it," he added. What ties all these groups together is a shared concern — lack of official data and transparency on green cover. Taljai tree-mapping participant Joshi also criticized deficient administrative efforts. "Why should citizens be building such databases? This is govt's job. There's no central database, no transparency. Websites have outdated information. Institutes that should be maintaining this knowledge don't make it public. We tried collaborating with them, but eventually, it was easier to do it ourselves. We will continue such efforts as responsible citizens to the best of our ability," he said. WHY IS GEOTAGGING IMPORTANT? Survival Updates: It is crucial to track the growth of saplings as it helps identify which species grows favourably in a terrain, and to ensure that they remain healthy Protection: Geotagging can help prevent damage to saplings or trees threatened by illegal felling, encroachment or development projects Urban Planning: Creating a data repository can help track the density of tree cover in urban areas, maintain a balance crucial to healthy living VOICES Citizens have limited trust in official agencies due to inaccessible or unreliable tree data and the delays in compiling it. This has prompted them to start their own geotagging initiatives, which is great. This growing citizen-science movement focuses on both new findings and documenting the existing biodiversity. Tree counting and species tracking plays a vital role in identifying, locating, and improving sapling quality, as well as in monitoring survival of planted trees — Sathya Natarajan | Author, 'Single Page Tree Act' Trees have so far been without identity. They have no Aadhaar card, voter ID, PAN card and thus, no agency. Without geotagging there is no address either. A tree is there today and gone tomorrow, and often, nobody is any wiser for it. So, geotagging and photographing trees are the only ways of keeping them in public memory and as a public asset. All govt agencies have failed in keeping tree records. Even census numbers are dubious. There is no other way than the ongoing citizen-led initiatives — Ameet Singh | Economist Tree mapping is an excellent exercise for the community and for the environment. Better knowledge about nature will help us care for it better. Citizens have this opportunity to learn local or scientific names of plants and understand the give-and-take relationship at the centre of a thriving ecosystem. Activities like these help us understand the importance of co-existence between primary producers and apex consumers. It is like an open, free and living learning laboratory — Arati Mhaskar | Core-member, Jeevitnadi The group I was part of for riparian zone tree mapping with PRR was sincere and enthusiastic. Mapping trees along the unique ecosystem of the Mula riverbank gave us a back-to-the-roots feeling. The participants diligently performed their tasks amid light pre-monsoon showers, irrespective of language, profession, gender and age. It was altogether an immense learning experience — Abira Ghosh | Scientific and medical writer
Mint
23-04-2025
- Mint
Pahalgam terror attack: 90% Kashmir tour bookings cancelled; airlines announce additional flights from Srinagar
Pahalgam Terror Attack: A day after a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, a popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir, that claimed 26 lives, travel bookings to Kashmir from various parts of India have reportedly witnessed a dramatic drop. Up to 90 per cent of travel bookings to the hilly state have been cancelled owing to safety concerns, PTI reported, citing Delhi-based travel agencies. The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow group of the banned Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, has claimed responsibility for the attack. Nearly 25 people have cancelled their bookings for their Kashmir trip, Gaurav Rathi, owner of Swan Travellers, told the news agency. Rathi further said that most tourists who had planned to visit Kashmir next month are now cancelling their bookings. The report also highlighted that there were some tourists who were currently negotiating to change their plans to some alternative destinations. 'We had a few bookings from families. From bus and flight tickets to hotels -- everything was booked in advance. But the moment the news of the terror attack broke, we started receiving calls for cancellations,' Dev, the owner of Kusha Travels, told the news agency. Kartik Verma, a travel agent from Good Guide Tours and Travels, highlighted that some people were asking for refunds, stating that they could not risk their loved ones visiting a place that was recently subject to a terrorist attack. 'We had more than 20 bookings for Kashmir for this month and next month, but almost all of those have been cancelled indefinitely,' Verma told the news portal. Many other travel agencies also cited the concerns that some bookings, like flight tickets and hotel bookings, are non-refundable, creating a 'real mess' for the tour agencies. SpiceJet was among two other domestic carriers that announced additional flights out of Srinagar airport on Wednesday, April 23. A SpiceJet spokesperson announced that the company is extending its waivers on the rescheduling and cancellation policies for flights departing and landing at Srinagar airport. This extension of waivers will be applicable to all bookings made on or before April 22, and the offer will be valid till April 30. 'In light of the recent tragedy in Pahalgam, SpiceJet is extending waivers on rescheduling and cancellations for travel to and from Srinagar, valid until April 30, 2025. This applies to all bookings made on or before April 22,' the SpiceJet spokesperson said. The company also announced that it will be operating an additional flight between Srinagar and Delhi on April 23. Apart from SpiceJet, Air India and Indigo announced additional flights on Wednesday for passengers' convenience. 'In view of the prevailing situation, Air India will operate two additional flights from Srinagar to Delhi and Mumbai on Wednesday, 23rd April,' the airline said in a social media post on X. The post mentioned that Air India operated two flights, the first from Srinagar to Delhi at 11:30 am, and the second from Srinagar to Mumbai at 12 noon, according to a post on April 23. "Air India is also offering complimentary rescheduling and full refunds on cancellations to passengers with confirmed bookings till 30th April 2025 on these sectors," said the company in the post. The low-cost carrier Indigo also announced two extra flights out of Srinagar, according to their travel advisory released on Wednesday.
NDTV
23-04-2025
- NDTV
90% Tourist Bookings For Kashmir Cancelled: Travel Agencies Amid Pahalgam Attack
New Delhi: In the aftermath of a terror attack in Pahalgam, several travel agencies in Delhi said on Wednesday that nearly 90 per cent bookings for Jammu and Kashmir have been cancelled by tourists over safety concerns. Around 25 people have asked them to cancel their bookings for the Union Territory, said Gaurav Rathi, owner of Swan Travellers, a company located in Shankar Market, Outer Circle, Connaught Place. He added that most of the tourists had planned to visit Kashmir next month and are now requesting cancellations. The attack took place around 3 pm on Tuesday, when terrorists descended from the mountains in Pahalgam's Baisaran valley and opened fire on tourists. The area, often referred to as "mini Switzerland" for its lush green meadows, is a popular tourist destination. At least 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed in the ghastly attack. Travel agencies in Delhi reported that nearly 90 per cent bookings for Kashmir have been cancelled, while some tourists are negotiating to shift their plans to alternative destinations. "We had a few bookings from families. From bus and flight tickets to hotels -- everything was booked in advance. But the moment the news of the terror attack broke, we started receiving calls for cancellations," Dev, the owner of Kusha Travels, told PTI. Popular tourist spots like Gulmarg, Hajan Valley and the Tulip Gardens were among the most-booked destinations. "We had more than 20 bookings for Kashmir for this month and next month, but almost all of those have been cancelled indefinitely," said Kartik Verma, a travel agent from Good Guide Tours and Travels. "People are asking for refunds. They are saying they cannot risk taking their loved ones to a place where there is a chance that they might not return," he added. Since some bookings, especially for flights and hotels, are non-refundable, it is creating a real mess for the tour agencies, Verma said, adding that during this time of the year, Kashmir is among the most sought-after destinations for families. Another travel agency, Swastik Travels, said Kashmir is not just the first-choice destination for Delhiites, but also very popular among the tourists visiting Delhi, many of whom plan onward trips to the valley. "It is not just Delhi residents cancelling their plans -- tourists already in the capital are also calling off their Kashmir trips, even though hotel tariffs are at a peak this summer. People are cancelling regardless of the cost," said the owner of Swastik Travels. "Not just Kashmir, people are now scared to even visit Jammu. We had bookings for seven families headed to Katra for the Vaishno Devi shrine and all of those have been cancelled after the horrific attack," he added. Another travel agency, AJ Tours and Travels, said they have been instructed to stop taking further bookings for Jammu and Kashmir. "We have been directed by the Travel Association of Srinagar to halt all transportation and bookings. So we are not accepting any new bookings for Jammu and Kashmir until further notice," the agency said. The Pahalgam attack is the deadliest in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike. Among the dead were two foreigners and two local residents, according to a senior official who declined to share more details. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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Business Standard
23-04-2025
- Business Standard
Pahalgam attack: 90% tour bookings for J-K cancelled, say travel agencies
In the aftermath of a terror attack in Pahalgam, several travel agencies in Delhi said on Wednesday that nearly 90 per cent bookings for Jammu and Kashmir have been cancelled by tourists over safety concerns. Around 25 people have asked them to cancel their bookings for the Union Territory, said Gaurav Rathi, owner of Swan Travellers, a company located in Shankar Market, Outer Circle, Connaught Place. He added that most of the tourists had planned to visit Kashmir next month and are now requesting cancellations. The attack took place around 3 pm on Tuesday, when terrorists descended from the mountains in Pahalgam's Baisaran valley and opened fire on tourists. The area, often referred to as "mini Switzerland" for its lush green meadows, is a popular tourist destination. At least 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed in the ghastly attack. Travel agencies in Delhi reported that nearly 90 per cent bookings for Kashmir have been cancelled, while some tourists are negotiating to shift their plans to alternative destinations. "We had a few bookings from families. From bus and flight tickets to hotels -- everything was booked in advance. But the moment the news of the terror attack broke, we started receiving calls for cancellations," Dev, the owner of Kusha Travels, told PTI. Popular tourist spots like Gulmarg, Hajan Valley and the Tulip Gardens were among the most-booked destinations. "We had more than 20 bookings for Kashmir for this month and next month, but almost all of those have been cancelled indefinitely," said Kartik Verma, a travel agent from Good Guide Tours and Travels. "People are asking for refunds. They are saying they cannot risk taking their loved ones to a place where there is a chance that they might not return," he added. Since some bookings, especially for flights and hotels, are non-refundable, it is creating a real mess for the tour agencies, Verma said, adding that during this time of the year, Kashmir is among the most sought-after destinations for families. Another travel agency, Swastik Travels, said Kashmir is not just the first-choice destination for Delhiites, but also very popular among the tourists visiting Delhi, many of whom plan onward trips to the valley. "It is not just Delhi residents cancelling their plans -- tourists already in the capital are also calling off their Kashmir trips, even though hotel tariffs are at a peak this summer. People are cancelling regardless of the cost," said the owner of Swastik Travels. "Not just Kashmir, people are now scared to even visit Jammu. We had bookings for seven families headed to Katra for the Vaishno Devi shrine and all of those have been cancelled after the horrific attack," he added. Another travel agency, AJ Tours and Travels, said they have been instructed to stop taking further bookings for Jammu and Kashmir. "We have been directed by the Travel Association of Srinagar to halt all transportation and bookings. So we are not accepting any new bookings for Jammu and Kashmir until further notice," the agency said. The Pahalgam attack is the deadliest in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama strike. Among the dead were two foreigners and two local residents, according to a senior official who declined to share more details.
