Bengaluru green renaissance Urban spaces embracing sustainability
Bengaluru, once revered as India’s “Garden City”, has faced mounting challenges over the years as rapid urbanisation has taken a toll on its green spaces. However, a wave of new initiatives aimed at reviving the city’s once-lush landscape is emerging, driven by collaborative efforts across sectors. According to the Forest Survey of India, Karnataka’s forest cover has seen a net increase of 147.70 square kilometres, positioning it as one of the top five states in the country contributing to national green growth. Bengaluru, with over 2.64 lakh trees, remains a crucial player in this green revolution.
Historically, Bengaluru’s transformation from an arid Deccan Plateau settlement into a city with a thriving green cover can be traced back to the rule of Hyder Ali, the Sultan of Mysore. His commitment to introducing vegetation in the region laid the foundation for what would become a legacy continued by his son, Tipu Sultan. The creation of Lalbagh, along with various other tree-planting initiatives, signalled the beginning of the city’s affinity for nature. Since then, Bengaluru has expanded its botanical footprint, with a blend of native and exotic species such as the jackfruit, neem, Gulmohar, and red silk cotton trees enriching its urban spaces. The city’s green cover now plays a vital role in mitigating environmental challenges posed by urban sprawl and air pollution.
In the face of urbanisation pressures, Bengaluru’s apartment complexes have taken on the mantle of leading green initiatives. Alembic Urban Forests in Whitefield is a standout example of how urban living can coexist with biodiversity. This residential complex features over 10,000 trees spread across 8 acres of open space, representing 80% of the total area. The development employs the Miyawaki method, a Japanese technique for creating dense, self-sustaining forests in record time. This approach is garnering attention as it supports biodiversity by introducing native species, while also reducing the ecological footprint of the development. As such, Alembic Urban Forests exemplifies a forward-thinking model for integrating sustainability into urban residential planning.
From a sustainability standpoint, the impact of such green initiatives cannot be overstated. In a city that has long struggled with air pollution and inadequate green spaces, these efforts represent a vital step toward reducing the urban heat island effect, promoting biodiversity, and improving air quality. However, the broader challenge lies in ensuring that these models can be replicated on a larger scale across Bengaluru. As the city continues to grow, the need for more comprehensive, city-wide green initiatives becomes critical. Integrating green spaces into urban planning not only enhances the city’s aesthetic appeal but also plays a pivotal role in creating more liveable, sustainable environments. The example set by apartment complexes like Alembic Urban Forests serves as a blueprint for other developments and municipalities to follow, highlighting the importance of fostering collaborations between developers, city authorities, and residents to make Bengaluru a truly green and sustainable city once again.
In conclusion, Bengaluru’s green resurgence is driven by a combination of historical legacies, modern technology, and the collective will of its citizens and urban developers. While the challenges of rapid urbanisation remain, the city’s commitment to reimagining itself as a garden city is evident in the innovative green spaces emerging across its landscape. With continued efforts in sustainability and urban planning, Bengaluru has the potential to restore its green cover and once again earn the title of India’s Garden City.
