Pune student creates Tree Map app, making conservation a community effort

Deshmukh, who passed his Class 10 from Vidya Valley School this year in March, recalled his increasing interest in creating the app when he was in Class 9. “Vidya Valley School along with Kalmadi High School and JeevitNadi Living River Foundation had come together on a project related to river conservation. I was involved in the project right from Class 7 and continued my work later with the foundation,” Deshmukh said.

Megha Gupta, a middle school science teacher and environment coordinator at Vidya Valley School, explained that hands-on, experiential learning is central to the school’s philosophy as it equips students with the skills and values needed to address future challenges.

“At a time when climate change and urbanisation threaten natural ecosystems, this initiative demonstrates how technology can be effectively used to support sustainability,” Gupta said.

“More than a digital resource, the Tree Map app fosters awareness, accountability, and action, encouraging individuals to recognise the importance of trees in maintaining ecological balance,” she added.

“We believe in developing holistic education that creates exemplary citizens,” Nalini Sengupta, the school’s founder, said. “With the app Aryaman has built, our students can actively participate in conservation, protecting trees and adding value to their communities. It is a real-world activity that fosters curiosity, empathy, and civic responsibility,” Sengupta added.

Ipsita Rodricks, Director, Vidya Valley School, also observed that it was through projects like these that one can work towards integrating industry and education, letting students explore real-world work while still in school.

Deshmukh described the app as a bridge. “This isn’t just about data. It’s about giving people a way to connect with their surroundings and each other through something that matters, our shared environment,” he said.

When contacted, Vandana Chavan, former Rajya Sabha member and founder of Pune Climate Warriors, said that the impact of climate change is no longer being debated.

“Hence our climate awareness and experiential learning program for schools in Pune empowers children to become champions of climate awareness and sustainability,” Chavan said, adding that they have reached out to 100 schools in Pune.

“Each month is devoted to different topics like warming cities, how trees are important, solid waste management, and then the overarching theme of one family one tree,” she said while lauding the roles played by schools in linking conservation with experiential education.