Bengaluru’s ambitious tree census, a long-awaited initiative by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), has encountered yet another delay, with the completion deadline now extended to October 2024. Originally slated for an August conclusion, the census began in January and has thus far recorded approximately 2.5 lakh trees across 54 wards.
This extension comes as the BBMP grapples with unforeseen challenges, including technical glitches in the software used for data collection and adverse weather conditions that hampered progress. These obstacles have significantly slowed the pace of the census, which, despite initial hopes, has only managed to document about 10 percent of the city’s estimated 20 lakh trees. The BBMP’s Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) disclosed that the application designed for the census faced early technical difficulties, which contributed to the delay. However, with the software now stabilised and additional teams deployed, there is renewed optimism that the pace of data collection will accelerate in the coming months.
The delay was further exacerbated by the extreme summer temperatures, which made it challenging for field teams to carry out the on-ground surveys, particularly during April and May. The harsh weather not only hindered the physical effort required but also posed risks to the well-being of the personnel involved. Despite these setbacks, the census is gradually gaining momentum. Thus far, the data reveals that the RR Nagar and South zones have the highest concentration of trees, offering valuable insights for future urban planning and environmental management. The tree census goes beyond mere documentation; it is a strategic tool for the BBMP to safeguard Bengaluru’s green cover. By recording details such as the girth, species, and condition of each tree, along with its precise location, the BBMP can build a comprehensive database that will be instrumental in preventing illegal tree felling and guiding reforestation efforts. This data-driven approach ensures that any loss of tree cover is immediately identifiable, allowing for timely interventions.
Additionally, the census will inform decision-making regarding tree felling permissions, ensuring that such decisions are grounded in an accurate understanding of existing tree cover in specific areas. The initiative stems from a 2020 directive by the Karnataka High Court, which mandated the BBMP to conduct a tree census within three years—a deadline that has been challenging to meet due to various operational hurdles. As the BBMP presses on with this critical environmental project, the extended deadline to October provides an opportunity to address the gaps encountered thus far and ensures that Bengaluru’s green assets are meticulously recorded and preserved for future generations.
