Rapid urbanisation threatens Bengaluru green cover
The deteriorating health of Bengaluru’s tree cover has come under scrutiny as data from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) reveals a sharp rise in tree fall incidents. Over the last ten months alone, the civic body’s tree canopy management teams have attended to 18,587 cases, a significant jump from previous years. While the BBMP attributes the increase to better complaint tracking through an online monitoring system, experts argue that rapid urbanisation and poor tree management are the real culprits. As Bengaluru continues to expand with road-widening projects and mass transit systems, concerns grow over the dwindling health of the city’s avenue trees, many of which suffer from weakened root systems due to concretisation and lack of maintenance.
Escalating crisis: Data reveals worrying trend
BBMP’s figures highlight an alarming rise in tree-related complaints. Between April 2020 and March 2021, the civic body attended to 7,472 cases, which surged to 12,107 in the following year. By April 2023–March 2024, the cases further escalated to 17,948, and in the current financial year, the number has already reached 18,587 in just ten months. The western zones of Bengaluru reported the highest number of incidents, with over 4,400 cases, followed closely by South and East zones. To tackle the growing crisis, BBMP has increased its canopy management teams from 15 in 2020 to 30 in 2025, with an annual budget exceeding ₹11.7 crore. However, while the civic body claims to be addressing these complaints within a 45-day timeframe, environmentalists argue that reactive measures alone will not solve the problem.
Civic mismanagement: Experts raise red flags
Conservationists and tree activists warn that the real issue lies in Bengaluru’s flawed urban planning. Many trees in the city are suffocated by concrete, which prevents them from receiving adequate water and nutrients, leading to brittle branches and weak roots. “The focus is on infrastructure development, but no thought is given to the survival of trees,” a local activist pointed out. The lack of coordination between urban planners and environmental experts has resulted in the reckless pruning of trees, further reducing their resilience. Without a comprehensive tree conservation strategy, Bengaluru will continue to witness an increasing number of tree falls, posing risks to both residents and city infrastructure.
Sustainability: A long-term vision for Bengaluru’s green cover
A more sustainable approach is needed to preserve the city’s greenery amid rapid development. Experts suggest implementing tree-friendly infrastructure policies, such as leaving breathing space around tree bases and incorporating green corridors into city planning. Rainwater harvesting for urban trees, stricter regulations against concretisation, and strategic replantation efforts could significantly improve the survival rate of Bengaluru’s urban canopy. If Bengaluru is to maintain its reputation as the ‘Garden City,’ proactive steps must be taken to balance urban growth with ecological preservation. Otherwise, the city risks losing its vital green lungs, impacting both air quality and biodiversity.
