The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is expediting its ambitious tree census project, aimed at documenting the city’s green cover in detail. Having recorded nearly three lakh trees so far, the civic body is inviting public feedback to refine the process and ensure transparency. The census, which will eventually cover over 18 lakh trees, is supported by a new Tree Census Dashboard (). This digital platform provides information about recorded trees, including species, location, health, and photographs. Residents can select specific wards, review details of each numbered tree, and raise objections or suggestions via a comment box or email at dcfbbmp12@gmail.com. BBMP officials said the dashboard is designed to engage residents in the census process, with all feedback considered in efforts to count 15 lakh trees across the city. However, the census has faced challenges, including concerns about errors in tree identification. In response, the BBMP said enumerators are supervised by botanists and that the data will undergo rigorous scrutiny before publication. “Botanists from the BBMP and contractors will review the data in multiple stages to ensure accuracy,” an official said. The project has recently gained momentum, with nearly 25,000 trees counted daily. However, delays in the Mahadevapura, Dasarahalli, and Yelahanka zones due to slow contractor performance have led the BBMP to consider cancelling tenders for these areas. Despite initial plans to issue fresh tenders, the civic body is reassessing its stance due to improvements in contractors' workforce mobilisation. The census, one of the largest urban tree documentation projects, is expected to play a crucial role in urban planning, conservation, and policymaking. By involving residents, the BBMP hopes to make the process inclusive and transparent, addressing concerns about Bengaluru’s rapidly diminishing green spaces. The final data will provide a comprehensive picture of the city’s greenery, aiding efforts to balance urban development with environmental preservation.
