GREEN MINUTE NEWS:
Bengaluru is fast losing its tree cover due to varied reasons ranging from urbanization, linear structures, infrastructural development and concretization of tree trunks on almost every city road.
With rising temperatures and heatwave conditions, people seem to have woken up and realized how important is it for the remaining tree cover to survive and thrive in Bengaluru.
There are an estimated 15 lakh trees in this city as Bengaluru has lost massive tree cover due to road widening, Bengaluru Metro Rail Works, building of flyovers, underpasses, construction of apartment complexes and clearance of tree cover in northern, eastern and western parts of the city for industrial projects.
Environmentalists and urban conservationists say it is imperative for the people to realize how important are “healthy trees” or keeping the city cool and salubrious as it was in the 1990s.
While everyone talks about rising temperatures, traffic congestion and development of heat islands due to glass façade buildings in Bengaluru, very few initiatives have focused or have been taken up on finding a real solution – which is protecting tree cover and ensuring tree health.
On this front, tree doctor and urban conservationist Vijay Nishanth has come with a first-of-its-kind Tree Care Initiative with Rego, where an entire street is adopted to assess tree stress and provide necessary treatment by involving citizens directly on the ground.
This initiative has taken off and will continue in the days to come to create larger awareness about the importance of trees in urban spaces while also supporting biodiversity, Nishanth adds.
April 25, 2026 marked the first day of this initiative, where more than 100 volunteers at Rego participated in presentations on urban forestry, tree health, and the vital role of citizens in protecting the remaining green spaces of Bengaluru.
As part of this effort, water bowls were placed on trees and in nearby parks to support birds and protect urban biodiversity during summer.
Speaking to Green Minute News, Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) G K Sudarshan said, “This is a new idea and initiative which has taken off in the city with people’s participation. It is nothing but management of trees and is a public initiative involving people to take care of trees on a particular road. We welcome this initiative and hope many other citizens too come forward to adopt trees and look after its health – spray medicines for termites, insects, and also apply manure for the healthy growth of trees in the city in their area.”
Later, at HAL Old Madras Road, along with Greater Bengaluru Authority DCF G K Sudarshan, tree care activities were initiated and water bowl installations were carried out.
Volunteers were in fact, shown and demonstrated how important is soil health around the root zone of a tree, and how proper watering should be done only after loosening the compacted soil.
Soil health is very important for tree survival, growth, and longevity. In fact, it acts as the primary source for absorption of nutrients, water, and providing structural support. A healthy soil which is rich in organic matter, microbes, and proper structure, allows roots to anchor trees, access essential nutrients from the soil and, and also build immunity against environmental stressors.
Lending support to this unique initiative, Rego Company, Managing Director and founder Shankar H R appreciated the meaningful initiative and expressed interest in expanding this work across the entire stretch.
He added, “It will be a continuing effort to lend all support to this initiative in Bengaluru city as nature is required for each and everyone one of us. We will be providing all material help and whatever is required for protecting the tree cover of Bengaluru in the days to come.”
Vijay Nishanth adds, “During inspection, termite infections were identified and treated using termicide. Mealybug infestations were also detected and treated using organic insecticide. It is important for us to identify trees on every city road for any kind of health issues and also remove the concrete around the trees to prevent tree suffocation, ensure water and air reach the roots, and promote the tree’s long-term health.”
This is a new beginning for carving the health status and identifying trees which has issues of any kind be it health , concrete or lack of space. If such an initiative gathers momentum, it will go a long way in protecting the tree cover of the city with citizens help, he stressed.
Participating in the initiative on HAL Old Madras Road, the DCF of Greater Bengaluru Authority also supported this unique effort of tree management.
He further emphasized that tree healthcare is essential for strong urban forestry and also for protecting Bengaluru’s future as a livable green city.
The 100 volunteers who actively took part in the tree health care program were amazed by the entire initiative which provided them a new insight into tree health care.
Some were very inspired and so, they immediately picked up spray cans and began treating the trees themselves and that too just after one session on tree health care and its management.