One of the largest citizen-led biodiversity documentation efforts in Pune, a tree-mapping exercise along the riparian zone of the Mula River has now been accepted and uploaded on the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), an international network and data platform that provides open access to information on all forms of life on Earth.
According to the GBIF website, “The dataset consists of geotagged and photographic observations of various trees, shrubs and climbers at the Mula river banks, from Wakad to Aundh in Pune (Maharashtra, India).” More than 3,500 trees were recorded between January 5 and May 31, 2025, covering a 4-km stretch on both sides of the river. Over 200 citizens, guided by botanists, participated in the initiative.
The database now serves as an open archive of trees, shrubs, climbers, and herbs that were visually observed and photographed. “Around 55 unique species of trees were identified. We have listed Karanj, Babul and Umbar as among the top three native species on the stretch. Walunj and Shindi trees are very important,” said Akanksha Pandey, who was part of the project.
The initiative gains significance in the backdrop of data from Global Forest Watch, which states that “from 2021 to 2024, 99 per cent of tree cover loss in Pune occurred within natural forest. The total loss within natural forest was 210 ha, equivalent to 28.8 kt of CO2e emissions.”
Pandey said the exercise went beyond documenting trees .It was also an eye-opener for many participants. “Many people had not known about the pristine, dense and biodiversity-rich riparian forest that was present in the heart of the city. Some of us saw reptiles, such as snakes, but many of us also saw various types of ants, spiders and insects that we never see in our localities any more. Many of the experts did not know how rich the biodiversity is in the forest,” she said.
The initiative was supported by the Pune Knowledge Cluster for technical knowhow, NISARGSEVAK for providing botanical expertise, and scientific experts within and outside India who have been working in field of biodiversity. “Citizens of Pune who are working as scientists in foreign countries came on board. They helped us verify the data and coordinate and upload on GBIF because laypersons cannot upload on GBIF. It’s a scientific research tool,” Pandey added.
According to Jeevitnadi, the formal author of the dataset on GBIF, the project fills a crucial gap. “The biodiversity reports of the municipal corporations do not reflect riparian species. If you want to really protect and conserve freshwater ecosystems, these are the species which will play important roles in maintaining, managing, and creating resilience of the freshwater ecosystems. Nowhere in policy, so far, has any importance been given to riparian areas.
Mangroves are under protection but riparian areas are not under any type of environmental protection or conservation act,” said Shailaja Deshpande of Jeevitnadi.
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She added that tree families such as Fabaceae and Myrtaceae are “high carbon sequesters,” capable of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon , a key factor in combating global warming. “These have not been recorded, documented or given any protection, so this citizen’s initiative is very important,” Deshpande said.
Deshpande noted that most of the documented species are native. “There are few non-native species but they have adapted with the existing native species and are living well with each other,” she said.
The tree-mapping project will now enter its second phase. “People want to see, map and document. They also want to experience the life that exists in the forest without disturbing it,” Deshpande added.
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.
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