Bengaluru Tree Census Reaches 90 Percent Mark, Set for Year-End Completion
Bengaluru's long-delayed tree census has reached nearly 90 percent completion and is expected to conclude by the end of the year, according to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). The comprehensive survey aims to establish an exhaustive digital database of the city's green cover following repeated procedural delays.
The exercise originated from a 2020 Karnataka High Court directive instructing the then Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to conduct a tree census within three years. However, ground enumeration began only in January 2024 and missed several subsequent deadlines before gaining traction.
To conduct the count, the GBA is paying approximately Rs 22 per tree to collect and record individual botanical details. The civic body initially set the rate at around Rs 18 per tree, but revised the payment upward after struggling to attract private agencies willing to take up the fieldwork.
During the survey, field workers record each tree's species, girth, physical condition, and exact location using a dedicated mobile application. Every enumerated tree is assigned a unique identification number to monitor its status over time. Civic officials noted that the requirement for trained professionals to accurately assess each tree contributed to the project's extended timeline.
“This is the first time such an exercise is being carried out. There were some roadblocks that caused delays. The company awarded the tender also backed out, forcing us to engage another agency. The process has now stabilised and we are confident it will be completed within four months,” said Sudarshan G K, Deputy Conservator of Forests, GBA.
According to forest officials, only a small portion of the city's trees remains to be logged. Green cover situated inside large private campuses, including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), has not yet been enumerated by the contracted agency. These institutions are expected to survey their own grounds and submit the census details directly to the civic body.
Experts note that compiling a comprehensive database is critical to prevent illegal felling across the city, monitor Bengaluru's broader green cover, and guide informed administrative decisions when tree removals are requested for infrastructure developments.
