The ongoing tree census conducted by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has disclosed that 2.5 lakh trees are spread across 80 wards within its limits. The census, which commenced in January, faces an extended deadline from August due to technical hurdles and unforeseen challenges.
According to BBMP Deputy Conservator of Forest BLG Swamy, the census is being carried out by two agencies appointed for the task city-wide. Delays in the process, including technical glitches and adverse weather conditions, have prompted the extension of the deadline by several months.
Significant progress has been noted in wards such as Hanumantha Nagar, Srinagar, Gali Anjaneya Temple, Girinagar, Kathriguppe, and Vidyapeeta, where the census has been fully completed. These wards alone account for over 30,000 trees, each of which has been marked with a unique code and documented on the official website.
Jeevan, representing one of the contracting agencies involved, cited challenges such as software issues and weather-related setbacks, which halted fieldwork during March and April. He highlighted that despite these setbacks, detailed information including tree girth, location, and botanical details are meticulously recorded using specialized software.
DCF Swamy highlighted the importance of the census in accurately assessing Bengaluru’s tree cover. He noted that the data gathered will aid in planning future tree planting initiatives across the city, reinforcing Bengaluru’s reputation as the ‘Garden City’.
With permission to survey private areas also granted, the current count stands at 2.5 lakh trees across 80 wards, stated Swamy.
The BBMP, which oversees 198 wards in Bengaluru, aims to complete the comprehensive tree census to better understand and preserve the city’s greenery in the face of urban development challenges.
