Platform to help residents monitor & nurture trees in capital
PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Friday officially launched the ‘Tree App’ developed by Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL), which will act as a platform for residents to engage in monitoring and nurturing the capital’s urban tree cover.
Sawant performed the ceremony at the Francisco Luis Gomes garden in Campal, where the IPSCDL was hosting an urban tree management workshop aimed at boosting Panaji’s tree cover with the help of experts from both Goa and beyond.
The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), Tree Care India, and the Goa State Biodiversity Board collaborated in organising the day-long event, where participants gained hands-on experience in caring for Panaji’s urban tree cover.
Urban planners, environmentalists, and local residents participated and learned new practical skills on how to assess tree health, prune, manage pests, and employ sustainable planting techniques for new trees.
IPSCDL CEO, Sanjit Rodrigues, IAS, said the app, developed by a Goa-based start-up, has already tagged 1,004 trees recently planted in the city as part of the ‘Smart City’ green initiative.
More trees will be planted and geo-tagged to facilitate their monitoring, which will help in developing ‘green tunnel roads’ in the capital city and, eventually, lower the city’s temperature by 2 degrees Celsius, Rodrigues said.
“We are leveraging digital tools to make urban tree care accessible and effective for everyone in Panaji. We are working with Tree Care India, who will share their expertise in tree management and enhance the biodiversity of Panaji,” Rodrigues added.
Jonas Suchnek, Co-founder and Arborist at Tree Care India, emphasised the importance of equipping citizens with practical knowledge.
“Urban trees are not just greenery—they are vital to the health and resilience of our cities. Workshops like these not only raise awareness but also build the skills necessary to preserve our urban forests for generations to come,” Suchnek said.
