Mangaluru has launched the ‘Amara’ initiative, aiming to increase the city’s green cover to 30% by 2040.
This citizen-driven project, unveiled on April 21, 2025, seeks to address the city’s current green cover of just 6.24% in public spaces, as revealed by the ‘Tree Count Report-Mangaluru 2023’ by Nitte (Deemed to be) University.The initiative plans to plant 30,000 tree saplings across 60 wards during the upcoming monsoon season. Additionally, between 50,000 and 100,000 mangrove saplings will be planted to enhance coastal green cover. Residents and institutions are encouraged to adopt these saplings, either individually or ward-wise, through the Mangaluru Smart City app. Each sapling will be geotagged and monitored to ensure accountability and growth.
The ‘Tree Count Report’ highlighted a concerning rise in surface temperatures, with the city’s average temperature increasing from 32.2°C in 2014 to 32.95°C in 2022. This change is attributed to the reduction in tree cover and the expansion of urban infrastructure. The report also noted that 35.66% of the city’s green cover is on private properties, while only 6.24% is on public land.To support this initiative, the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has integrated the ‘Amara’ project into the Mangaluru Smart City app. This platform allows users to view available saplings for adoption, track planting locations, and monitor the health of adopted trees.
The app currently reports 19,872 trees in public spaces, with 21 adopted trees.
The timeline for the ‘Amara’ initiative is as follows: ward adoption concludes on April 30, planting sites will be finalized by May 15, and the planting drive will commence on June 5, coinciding with World Environment Day. A public audit report will be released on August 15, 2025.This ambitious project not only aims to enhance the city’s green cover but also seeks to mitigate the urban heat island effect and improve the overall quality of life for residents. By fostering community involvement and leveraging technology, Mangaluru is setting a precedent for sustainable urban development in India.
