Bengaluru has added a 45-acre urban tree park in Panathur, where Karnataka Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Ramalinga Reddy inaugurated a new public green space developed through the Forest Department’s Urban Forest Scheme and corporate social responsibility funding.
The park, located in Bengaluru East, was created on Forest Department land at a cost of Rs 4.50 crore. Qualcomm India Pvt. Ltd. provided the CSR support, while NGO SayTrees collaborated on the initiative. The site contains multiple species of trees and plants and is intended to support urban biodiversity while providing residents with space for recreation and environmental learning.
The facility includes a 2-kilometre eco-trail, or nature trail, made using murram, with kerb stones installed along the route. Water infrastructure comprises a borewell, pump and BESCOM electricity connection. Pergolas and water tanks have also been added for visitors.
Visitors will also have access to an open gym, children’s play equipment, toilets, a parking area and gazebos. Name boards carrying QR codes and awareness boards explain the plants, animals and birds found in the park. The Forest Department said the initiative is aimed at increasing access to green spaces in urban areas, promoting environmental conservation and providing healthy recreational facilities.
At the inauguration, Reddy urged Qualcomm India to support the development of the remaining 100 acres adjacent to the park. He said the Forest Department would provide financial assistance for that work. The minister also said an additional CSR contribution of Rs 1 crore should be used to build a compound wall around the site and carry out further greening activities.
The project places a large parcel of Forest Department land within Bengaluru’s expanding urban landscape into public use. Its facilities combine ecological features with amenities aimed at regular visitors, including children and residents seeking outdoor recreation. The next proposed steps are the construction of the compound wall, additional greening and possible development of the adjoining 100 acres, subject to the stated funding and departmental support.
