Bengaluru Paper Forests Revealing the City True Green Cover
Bengaluru, once known for its lush green landscapes, has been witnessing a concerning phenomenon where vast stretches of land, once classified as forests, have disappeared beneath the city’s rapid urbanisation. Official records from government sources continue to list certain areas as ‘forests’, despite the fact that these regions have long since been replaced by buildings, roads, and other forms of development. An analysis of these records reveals that Bengaluru’s official forest area is grossly inflated, with roughly 3,400 acres marked as forest land in the documents that no longer exist in reality.
These discrepancies primarily stem from the legacy of colonial-era practices when the Wodeyars, the erstwhile rulers of Mysuru, designated expansive plots of land around Bengaluru for conservation. However, over time, successive governments have either allowed these areas to be encroached upon or have failed to officially declassify them as urban land. The result is that today, many of these ‘fictional forests’ persist in government documents, misleading the public and officials alike. In fact, these lands make up as much as 27% of Bengaluru’s officially recognised forest area, with some estimates suggesting this could be as high as 40%.
One prominent example is the 537-acre Malgal Valley, which was designated as forest land in 1921. Now, it lies at the heart of Bengaluru’s expanding urban sprawl, housing residential complexes and commercial establishments. Similarly, the 160-acre Gantiganahalli land, also once marked as forest land, has been fully developed, but it remains listed as a forest in government records. These examples underscore the need for an urgent update to the city’s environmental records. While this may seem like a minor issue on paper, the consequences are far-reaching.
From a sustainability perspective, this misclassification poses a significant challenge to urban planning and environmental conservation efforts in Bengaluru. As the city grapples with escalating air pollution, water scarcity, and reduced green spaces, a clear and accurate representation of the city’s green cover becomes essential for informed policymaking. The continued inclusion of non-existent forests in official documents not only misguides planners but also undermines the city’s ability to implement effective conservation strategies. For Bengaluru to truly embrace sustainability, it is crucial to ensure that green spaces are preserved and accurately mapped to inform future urban development decisions.
In conclusion, while Bengaluru’s urban sprawl has undeniably brought economic growth and modernisation, it has also hidden the true extent of the city’s environmental challenges. The misclassification of large tracts of land as forests is a civic issue that needs immediate attention from the authorities. It is only by revising these outdated records that the city can move forward with a more accurate understanding of its green resources. Moreover, this provides an opportunity for Bengaluru to recalibrate its approach to sustainability, ensuring that the future of the city is not just defined by its infrastructure but also by its commitment to preserving the environment for future generations.
