India, Dec. 14 -- Kolkata got its first tree ambulance last week. It is now one of the few Indian cities and the first major city of eastern India to have the facility.

The ambulance has been set up with the objective to look after trees under distress and needing emergency attention. City-based green experts have welcomed the initiative, pointing out that such a facility is important for a city which already has minimum greenery within major Indian cities.

The tree ambulance has been launched by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) with the MLA funds of Debasish Kumar, who also happens to be city's mayoral council member in charge of parks and squares.

The ambulance, manufactured at a cost of Rs 12.5 lakh, is free for offering serv...