Bengaluru’s green revival: Citizens and institutions lead the way

Once celebrated as the “Garden City,” Bengaluru has grappled with diminishing green cover due to rapid urbanization. However, a collective effort is revitalizing the city’s greenery, with individuals, communities, and institutions playing pivotal roles.

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Recent data from the Forest Survey of India highlights a net increase of 147.70 sq. km in Karnataka’s forest cover, placing it among India’s top five green-growth states. Bengaluru, with over 2,64,154 trees, significantly contributes to this achievement. The city’s diverse urban flora includes jackfruit, neem, red silk cotton, Gulmohar, and copper pod trees.

Apartment complexes are emerging as champions of sustainable practices. Alembic Urban Forests in Whitefield, for instance, dedicates 80% of its space to greenery, hosting over 10,000 trees across eight acres. Using the Miyawaki method, this project has created a dense, self-sustaining forest with native species, emphasizing biodiversity and minimal maintenance.

Public spaces are also joining the green movement. Iconic locations like Cubbon Park and the Bengaluru International Airport have adopted the Miyawaki technique to establish green buffers, reducing noise pollution and enhancing air quality.

Forest service officers laud initiatives by BBMP and BDA forest wings, including plantation drives and green belt projects.

Bengalureans are proving that reclaiming the city’s green legacy is possible through innovation, community participation, and sustainable urban planning.