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The Indian State of Forest Report 2023 revealed a marginal increase in Bengaluru's green cover, adding 0.6 sq km between 2021 and 2023. This increase brings the total forest cover to 89.6 sq km, making Bengaluru the third largest among seven major Indian cities, after New Delhi and Mumbai. While this small gain is a positive sign amidst the city's rapid development, the report also highlighted a decrease in moderately dense forests, dropping from 12.7 sq km in 2021 to 12.3 sq km in 2023. This decrease is attributed to various infrastructural projects undertaken during this period. The report further details that the majority of the increased green cover is classified as 'open forest', a category that includes roadside plantations and agroforestry initiatives in semi-urban areas on the outskirts of the city. This increase contrasts with losses seen in other major cities like Chennai (2.6 sq km) and Hyderabad (1.6 sq km), highlighting the varied impact of development on urban green spaces across India.
The findings of the report have been met with mixed reactions. While the reported increase in green cover offers a glimmer of hope for environmental conservation efforts in Bengaluru, concerns have been raised regarding the accuracy and completeness of the data. DT Devare, trustee of the Bangalore Environment Trust (BET), and other conservationists express doubts about the satellite imagery's ability to capture the full extent of compensatory afforestation efforts undertaken to mitigate the losses from infrastructural development. Devare believes the reported increase is primarily due to roadside planting and agroforestry, suggesting that the net gain might be smaller than indicated. Ravindra Kumar, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Bengaluru Urban, while acknowledging the positive impact of preventing further damage to existing forests and reclaiming encroached lands, also points towards agroforestry activities around the city as contributing factors to the increase. He acknowledges that the full effects of these efforts will be reflected in future reports.
The debate over the accuracy of the data underscores the complexity of measuring and interpreting changes in urban green cover. Factors such as the classification of different forest types, the methodology used in satellite imagery analysis, and the challenges in accounting for compensatory afforestation all contribute to the uncertainties. Furthermore, the report highlights the uneven distribution of green spaces within Bengaluru. The moderately dense forests are concentrated in northeastern and southern parts of the city, largely within deemed and protected forests, while open forests and scrub forests are more prevalent in the south and west, particularly around Hesaraghatta. This uneven distribution underscores the need for targeted conservation strategies and equitable planning to ensure that green spaces are accessible and distributed fairly across all regions of the city. The debate also emphasizes the importance of transparent data collection methods and continuous monitoring to accurately assess the impact of development on urban green spaces, allowing for evidence-based policymaking and efficient environmental management.
The ISFR 2023 data provides a snapshot of Bengaluru’s green cover, but it is crucial to recognize the limitations of this data and the ongoing need for improved monitoring and evaluation. The small increase, although positive, needs to be considered within the broader context of continued urban expansion and its environmental consequences. Sustainable urban planning practices, including prioritizing green spaces in new developments, promoting biodiversity, and investing in responsible afforestation programs are crucial for maintaining and expanding green cover in Bengaluru. Active community involvement and transparent data sharing are also essential to ensure effective environmental stewardship and build a more sustainable future for the city. The ongoing dialogue between environmentalists, government agencies, and urban planners is critical to finding a balance between development and environmental conservation. The ultimate goal should be to ensure that Bengaluru's growth does not come at the cost of its invaluable green spaces.