Thane Municipal Corporation Launches QR Code Initiative for Tree Information in ‘Innovative Gardens’ Project

Thane, 4th January 2024: In a groundbreaking step towards enhancing environmental awareness, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has introduced QR codes on approximately 2,000 trees spread across 21 municipal gardens in Thane, Maharashtra. This initiative is part of the larger ‘Innovative Concepts in Gardens’ project, designed to provide citizens with convenient access to information about the city’s rich biodiversity.

The QR codes, implemented on a pilot basis, empower residents with smartphones to scan and retrieve detailed information about the trees in both Marathi and English languages. Mitali Sancheti, Deputy Commissioner of Gardens and Tree Authority, emphasized that citizens can now access information such as the tree’s name, botanical classification, characteristics, and place of origin effortlessly.

The decision to incorporate QR codes in municipal gardens stems from positive feedback, suggestions, and responses from citizens. Thane Municipal Commissioner Abhijit Bangar’s directive aligns with the city’s ‘Chala Vachuya’ campaign, emphasizing user-friendly municipal parks, which previously introduced nature libraries in select parks.

Detailing the QR code installation process, Sancheti highlighted that officials conducted thorough inspections of the gardens, identified the trees, gathered pertinent information, and affixed the QR codes around the trunks using nylon ropes. The utmost care was taken to ensure the trees remained unharmed during the installation process.