Tree census begins: Bengaluru homeowners must declare trees in their compounds

Under the Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act, Bengaluru residents will soon be required to declare trees within their private premises as part of a citywide tree census led by the GBA Forest Department.

Bengaluru is set to take its green accounting seriously. The GBA Forest Department has begun a comprehensive tree census across the city, and for the first time, homeowners will be mandated to declare trees within their compounds. This initiative comes under the Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act, which makes it a legal responsibility for property owners to provide accurate details of trees and plants on their premises.

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Speaking to the media, Sudharshan G.K., Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), GBA, explained that the move aims to create a detailed digital record of the city’s green cover. “The census is already underway across government spaces and roadsides. Soon, our teams will begin recording data from private properties as well,” he said.

The GBA Forest Wing has already documented over six lakh trees across Bengaluru, with each tree tagged and geo-mapped. The department has fixed a cost of ₹22 per tree for the counting process, which includes assessment, tagging, and data entry.

Once implemented fully, every property owner, whether of a residential home, commercial building, or institution, will be required to submit information on the species and count of trees in their compound. The initiative will help authorities monitor tree felling, plan afforestation efforts, and maintain ecological balance amid rapid urbanisation.

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Officials said the census data will form part of a centralised digital dashboard accessible to civic and environmental authorities for planning and policy decisions.