A Life Dedicated to Nature and Community
Kirtida Mekani, the Karnataka-born environmentalist widely known as Singapore’s “Tree Lady”, passed away on January 19, 2026 , at the age of 66 following a sudden heart attack. Over more than three decades, she emerged as one of Singapore’s most influential grassroots champions of sustainability, leaving a deep imprint on urban greening, environmental education, community engagement, and cultural life.
Roots in Karnataka and Early Environmental Values
Kirtida Mekani grew up on a family farm in Karnataka, where close interaction with soil, crops, and composting shaped her early understanding of ecological balance. These formative experiences instilled in her a belief that sustainability is best learned through everyday practice rather than abstract theory—a philosophy that guided her later work.
A New Home and a Lasting Mission in Singapore
After moving to Singapore in 1990 with her husband Bharat Mekani, she was struck by the city-state’s greenery and urban planning. That first impression inspired her lifelong commitment to strengthening Singapore’s environmental movement through citizen participation rather than top-down campaigns.
Leadership in Environmental Awareness
In 1993, she became the first executive director of the Singapore Environment Council. During her tenure, she helped design and implement over 50 programmes aimed at embedding environmental responsibility in schools, workplaces, and neighbourhoods, laying early foundations for Singapore’s sustainability culture.
The Plant-A-Tree Programme and Urban Greening
One of her most enduring contributions was the Plant-A-Tree Programme , launched in 2007 in partnership with the National Parks Board. Despite early scepticism, the initiative mobilised thousands of volunteers and led to the planting of more than 76,000 trees , with a strong focus on native species. The programme became a flagship model of people-driven urban greening.
Community Gardens and Everyday Sustainability
As an ambassador of the Community in Bloom initiative, Kirtida Mekani supported the growth of thousands of community gardens across Singapore. These spaces not only enhanced biodiversity but also strengthened social bonds, allowing residents to connect with nature and with each other in dense urban settings.
Education, Innovation, and Biomimicry
Her engagement extended into education and innovation. As a trustee of the United World College of South East Asia Foundation, she encouraged student-led rainforest restoration projects. In 2016, she co-founded the Biomimicry Singapore Network , promoting nature-inspired solutions for sustainable design and innovation.
Conservation, Arts, and Cultural Life
Kirtida Mekani also served on the board of WWF Singapore, contributing to terrestrial and marine conservation initiatives, including coral restoration near Kusu Island. Beyond environmental work, she was deeply involved in the arts, serving on boards of cultural institutions and pursuing her own practice as a ceramic artist—reflecting her belief that creativity and sustainability are closely linked.
Awards and Public Recognition
Her contributions were formally recognised with Singapore’s President’s Award for the Environment in 2015. In 2024, she was inducted into the Singapore Women’s Hall of Fame as a Champion of the Environment, honouring her long-standing impact on society and public consciousness.
Month: Current Affairs - January 23, 2026
Category: Sustainability | Urban Development