Bengaluru: Bengaluru‘s rapid infrastructure expansion has come at a significant environmental cost, with nearly 19,000 trees felled over the past three years for various development projects, raising fresh concerns about the city’s fast-disappearing green cover.
Once celebrated as India’s “Garden City”, Bengaluru has witnessed large-scale tree loss as road widening, Metro rail expansion, flyovers, underpasses and other infrastructure projects continue to reshape the city. Environmentalists have warned that the pace of development must be balanced with stronger conservation measures.
Infrastructure projects behind tree loss
Thousands of trees have reportedly been removed to make way for major public infrastructure works across Bengaluru. While civic agencies have undertaken compensatory plantation drives, environmental groups argue that newly planted saplings cannot immediately replace decades-old mature trees that provide shade, improve air quality and support urban biodiversity.
Experts caution that the loss of mature trees contributes to rising temperatures, increased flooding risks and declining urban biodiversity, making the city more vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Environmentalists seek stronger safeguards
Green activists have called for stricter environmental assessments before approving large-scale infrastructure projects. They have also urged authorities to prioritise project designs that minimise tree felling and ensure better survival rates for compensatory plantations.
Many have stressed the need to preserve heritage trees and expand urban forests to maintain Bengaluru’s ecological balance.
Balancing growth and sustainability
Bengaluru continues to be one of India’s fastest-growing metropolitan cities, with major investments in transport, housing and commercial infrastructure. While these projects are vital to meet the needs of a growing population, experts say sustainable urban planning must remain a priority.
As the city expands, citizens and environmental groups are calling for development that protects Bengaluru’s green identity while supporting economic growth and improved public infrastructure.