Bengaluru has fewer than one tree for every seven people, far below the recommended seven trees per resident

Bengaluru hosted the inaugural conference of the Karnataka Forest, Wildlife, and Climate Change Foundation recently, where the state reaffirmed its focus on sustainable development. The initiative seeks to balance modernization and economic growth with the preservation of natural resources.

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The state’s environmental agenda emphasizes renewable energy use, reduction of carbon emissions, and the promotion of resource reuse. Officials noted that climate change and global warming are exerting severe pressure on ecosystems, underscoring the urgency of expanding forest and tree cover.

Data presented at the event revealed that Bengaluru’s green cover falls drastically short of recommended standards. Ideally, urban areas should maintain seven trees per resident; however, the city currently supports fewer than one tree for every seven people. With the population nearing 1.5 crore, experts warn that unchecked urbanization could lead to severe air quality deterioration.

Afforestation initiatives

To address the gap, the government plans a series of large-scale projects, including a 153-acre biodiversity park at Madappanahalli near Yelahanka, budgeted at ₹250 crore. Additionally, unused land from the defunct HMT factory may be transformed into another major park through legal measures. These would be the first significant green spaces created in Bengaluru in more than a century, complementing historic parks like Lalbagh and Cubbon Park. 

The conference also marked World Elephant Day, highlighting Karnataka’s heritage and challenges involving the state’s elephant population. The newly formed foundation aims to tap CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and CER (Corporate Environment Responsibility) funding for forest conservation and climate action initiatives.