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How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in conserving Pune’s green legacy

On December 20, Gen Zs and millennials were among those who gathered at the Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) at Ganeshkhind Garden for a heritage tree-mapping activity.

3 min readPuneUpdated: Dec 20, 2025 06:02 PM IST

How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in conserving Pune’s green legacy

Around a dozen tree mappers went to the area around the stream and measured and photographed many old trees. (Express Photo)

In the chikoo grove, all is dark and cool. The morning sun cannot pass the canopy, except in patches and spots. Fruit of all shapes peep through the leaves on laden branches. “The British had a long-ranging vision when they planned the grove. That is why the trees are planted 30-40 ft apart, allowing them to grow and spread,” says Ameet Singh, an environment expert, pointing out just one of the features that make Pune’s Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) at Ganeshkhind Garden a unique landscape.

Trees planted by Peshwas

On the morning of December 20, Gen Zs, millennials and those who had seen a greener Pune came together at the BHS for a heritage tree-mapping activity. The citizens’ engagement was happening against the background of the Pune Municipal Corporation seeking to build a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in a portion of the BHS, with implications for the area’s ecology.

Many of the attendees were tree-mapping veterans, others were finding their bearings around BHS’s heritage points, such as Mahogany Avenue. Singh stopped before a giant mango tree and pointed out its darker bark, comparing it to a younger neighbouring tree with a lighter bark. “There are many mango trees in a row of one species and have darker bark. These were planted by the Peshwas,” he says. A silver birch has white spots on the bark. “Those are lichens, which grow only where there is no pollution,” he said.

The group, which had split into a number of smaller groups, covered different parts of the BHS. Around a dozen tree mappers went to the area around the stream and measured and photographed many old trees.

Tamarind ‘superstar’

“We measured the girth of a tree using measuring tape. We calculated the rough height of the tree, and fed the data on an international application called Inaturalist,” said Akansha Pandey, an expert in the field. “The superstar of today’s mapping was a big tamarind tree that measured around 530 cm in circumference,” she added.

Apart from trees, such as old palms, the group reported sightings of a number of bird species, including two owlets. “I learned of a lot of species of trees. I was fascinated to learn how the Peshwas and the British planted such great trees that are still here with us almost 80 years after Independence,” said Riya Soni, 24, a chef who was visiting the BHS for the first time.

Environment-conscious citizens who are fighting to save the BHS from construction activity often regret that more people do not visit the space or know about it. Saturday morning’s event showed that when people visit the area, they enjoy being around the heritage trees. The elderly Usha Jagtap, on her first visit to BHS, said that it was an eye-opener. “Ekdam achcha laga. (I really enjoyed it). I learnt a lot about the place and the trees, including plants that grow near the water,” she said. Expect another walk in January.

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

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