Bengaluru tree census set for year-end completion after delays

Bengaluru: Despite multiple delays, Bengaluru's long-pending tree census is expected to be completed by the end of the year, with the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) claiming nearly 90% of trees have been enumerated..The GBA is paying nearly Rs 22 per tree to collect and record details, up from around Rs 18 initially, after the civic body struggled to attract agencies for the work..In 2020, the Karnataka High Court directed the then Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to conduct a tree census within three years. However, the survey began only in January 2024 and missed several deadlines..Missing tree census threatens Bengaluru's green cover.'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..He said only a small number of trees remain to be enumerated. Trees within large private campuses, including the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), are yet to be covered, with the institutions expected to submit the details themselves..The census records each tree's species, girth, condition and exact location through a mobile application, with every tree assigned a unique ID. Officials said the exhaustive exercise requires trained professionals, contributing to the delays..Experts say a comprehensive tree database is crucial to prevent illegal felling, inform decisions on tree removal for infrastructure projects and track Bengaluru's green cover.