From 2001 to 2021, the Pune  district lost 118ha of tree cover, equivalent to a 0.57% decrease in tree cover since 2000, and 56.2kt of CO₂e emissions. Pune city lost 8 hectares of humid primary forest between 2002 and 2021, accounting for 6.7% of the city’s overall loss of tree cover during that time. At this time, Pune’s total area of primary humid forest shrank by 0.22 percent.

One estimate states that although India’s average yearly per capita greenhouse gas emissions (also known as per capita carbon footprint) are 1.9 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, Maharashtra’s average is 2.1 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. Energy generation systems, which are mostly used by cities and businesses in Maharashtra, are the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Pune, a significant urban and industrial hub in Maharashtra, is a major state producer of greenhouse gas emissions.

The yearly mean temperature and annual mean rainfall are both rising across Maharashtra as a result of climate change. In addition, the monsoon season’s rainfall pattern is shifting into a cycle of a few days of extremely heavy rain followed by hot stretches with little rain.

Even though this is a huge issue, we at Nelda believe that through our regular and yearly activities for tree plantation and tree maintenance services, we can make positive difference.

Here’s how tree plantations can help the environment and society.

Tree plantation to prevent landslides and deforestation

India has lost 40% of its natural forest cover in the last 95 years, and this is a fact. Due to this, we have seen many landslides and deforestation issues in various parts of the country. Activities like mining, urbanization & industrial expansion are some of the major reasons for clearing out trees and forests.

Cleaning out large amounts of trees can also loosen up the earth and the upper layer of soil causing soil erosions and landslides. In a country that houses millions of species of plants and animals, it’s important that we focus on rebuilding these forests within the urban populations. Not only will the plants and animals benefit from this, but so will humans.

Tree plantation for better climate conditions

A grown/mature tree is able to withdraw up to 22 kilograms of carbon per year. And looking at the air quality and increasing air pollution within the Indian ecosystem, tree planting has become the need of the hour.

These trees are not just able to better the air quality and keep it in check, but are also responsible for maintaining sustainable temperatures. According to surveys, the temperatures in India have been increasing at a faster pace. So the next time you are planting a tree, think of how your small step is actually helping this world become a better place to live in.

Tree plantation for the growth of food supplies

India is known for exporting fruits like Pomegranates, Grapes, Bananas, Mangoes, and Oranges which drive incomes worth thousands of crores each year. Each tree in India will approximately provide $10-20 USD in food and nutrition. With India still known as an agricultural country, understanding our ecosystem and planting trees that are beneficial for our environment, but also to our economy is something to think of.