Can Bengaluru’s green blueprint revive its Garden City image?

Only way to safeguard land parcels is to convert them into lung spaces, says Minister Eshwar Khandre.

Bengaluru, once celebrated as the Garden City, faces a challenge to retain its green reputation amidst rapid urbanization. The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) recently announced plans to convert the defunct NGEF land into a tree park. This initiative, along with existing tree parks in Machohalli, Kadugodi, and Turahalli, aims to address the issue of the city’s dwindling green cover.

Forest, Ecology, and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre recently announced plans to transform the 153-acre Nilgiri plantation near Yelahanka into a biological park. The Indira Gandhi Biological Park will house a medicinal plant garden, aviary, mini zoo, and a tree park.

Forest Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre recently visited the 153-acre Nilgiri plantation near Yelahanka outlining plans to transform the area into a biological park.  

Why increase lung space? 

As Bengaluru’s population swells, the green-to-human ratio remains alarming. In a survey done in 2014 by Prof TV Ramachandra at IISc, they estimated 95 lakh people compared to just 14.78 lakh trees; with only one tree for every seven people. 

“The removal of trees for road widening and infrastructure projects has exacerbated this imbalance. However, efforts from private groups in tree planting have helped maintain this ratio that we measured in 2014,” Prof Ramachandra told DH.  

Prof Ramachandra highlighted that green spaces in urban areas are vital for maintaining ecological balance. “Trees absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, releasing oxygen and storing carbon in their trunks. This process is critical in combating climate change. Moreover, trees moderate microclimates, reducing heat. For example, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) campus is 2°C cooler than its surroundings due to dense tree cover. Tree canopies also support groundwater recharge, making the landscape porous and mitigating water crises,” he added.

He pointed out that IISc’s mini-forest project exemplifies the role of trees. “500 saplings, including 49 native species, have transformed the area into a lush, rainforest-like ecosystem and have further reduced the temperature by an additional 2 degrees. Groundwater levels in this area rose dramatically from 100–150 feet to just 10 feet,” Prof Ramachandra remarked.

Author and ecologist Prof Harini Nagendra stressed the need for more accessible green spaces, including trees planted in hospitals, schools and corporate offices, and pocket parks, especially in newer areas like Sarjapur and Whitefield. “Older neighbourhoods like Jayanagar have small parks that thousands enjoy,” she remarked. 

Prof Nagendra advocates for identifying planting spaces, selecting non-invasive tree species that suit urban infrastructure, and encouraging community involvement. Citizen groups, schools, and other organisations can adopt areas to plant and maintain trees, reducing pressure on government resources.

A citywide “million tree planting program,” modelled after successful initiatives in the US and Europe, can help. This involves mapping planting sites, providing free or subsidized saplings, involving NGOs, corporate groups, citizens, geotagging trees for monitoring, and ensuring a mix of shade, fruit, and pollution-control trees. “Bengaluru urgently needs this proactive approach to counteract massive deforestation,” Prof Nagendra remarked. 

Experts say that the government must take all measures to reverse deforestation and restore its green cover. Initiatives like the Yelahanka tree park and citywide planting drives are essential first steps. Beyond large-scale parks, the city needs roadside trees, pocket parks, and native vegetation distributed across neighbourhoods.