Bengaluru, once called the “Garden City”, has been under immense pressure due to rapid urbanisation. However, a quiet revolution is underway, driven by collaborative efforts across various sectors to increase the green cover and take it back to its original form. Data from the Forest Survey of India, for instance, reveals a net increase of 147.70 sq. km in Karnataka’s forest cover, making it one of the top five states in the country that contribute to green growth. And Bengaluru, with over 2,64,154 trees, is, not surprisingly, a significant contributor to Karnataka’s overall green cover.
Historically, the greening of a city, technically located in the arid Deccan Plateau, can be traced back to the efforts of Hyder Ali, the ruler of Mysore, who initiated the city’s first significant vegetation projects, including the commissioning of Lalbagh. His efforts were continued by his son, Tipu Sultan, who went on to complete the project. After his death in 1799 at the hands of the British during the ill-fated Battle of Srirangapatna, the latter moved the cantonment to this city, which—in turn—saw the planting of numerous trees, many exotic, in the city. Today, the city’s urban landscape is enriched with a variety of trees, both native and exotic, including native species like jackfruit, neem, red silk cotton, Gulmohar and copper pod, among many others.
Tree Museum in the works at Total Environment, Tangled Up in Green, Devanahalli. | Photo Credit: Akriti Duggal
The apartment connect
Apartments in the city appear to be leading the charge, embracing biodiversity and friendly practices to create sustainable habitats. One noteworthy example is Alembic Urban Forests in Whitefield. With 80% open space and over 10,000 trees spread across 8 acres, the apartment complex is a testament to urban planning. The project incorporates the Japanese Miyawaki technique to develop a dense, self-sustaining forest with native species that require minimal human intervention, an afforestation technique that helps create dense, biodiverse forests in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.
Barbecue area within green cover at Alembic Urban Forest, Whitefield. | Photo Credit: Akriti Duggal
By planting a variety of Indigenous species in close proximity, the method mimics a natural forest ecosystem, allowing these forests to mature rapidly, often in just a few years. “These trees rely on rainwater for irrigation, and organic fertilisers are produced within the community using organic waste converters. In addition to the forest area, we’ve also designed a barbecue area within green cover to create a community space,” said Ranjit Menon, a member of the management committee.
Rock Garden at Brigade Orchards, Devanahalli. | Photo Credit: Akriti Duggal
Many other gated communities in the city are doing their own bit towards greening the city. At Brigade Orchards in Devanahalli, for instance, a mango grove featuring diverse varieties serves as a biodiversity haven, connecting residents to greener roots. The apartment also boasts a rock garden surrounded by different species of trees, adding an artistic dimension to the landscape. Then there is Total Environment’s upcoming project in Devanahalli, Tangled Up in Green, which plans to establish a tree museum at the entrance, showcasing plant species from across the world.
Similarly, their Whitefield property, Pursuit of Radical Rhapsody, follows a similar philosophy with villas and apartments featuring lush, green rooftops and other greening initiatives the apartments have taken. Prathima Sharma, a resident, shares, “Every villa here gets a green roof and a patch of greenery where you can have a lawn or grow plants,” she says. She herself, she adds, has created a pit to plant trees, including bougainvillea and flowering plants like ratrani. “The apartment has also set up drip irrigation for maintenance, and there are people who help take care of the greenery.”
Top view of Tree Museum at Total Environment, Tangled Up in Green, Devanahalli. | Photo Credit: Akriti Duggal
Beyond homes
Some projects go even beyond this, focusing on enriching biodiversity in a larger surface area. JRC Wildwoods boasts over 10,000 large tropical trees within its premises, a four-acre green zone, designated green cover for bird watching, treehouses and campfires. Similarly, Good Earth Malhar, an eco-village in Kengeri, has transformed 50 acres into a thriving green hotspot. The community is home to over 500 plant species and 144 bird species, alongside themed educational parks to promote environmental awareness.
Entrance to Miyawaki technique grown forest at Alembic Urban Forest, Whitefield. | Photo Credit: Akriti Duggal
Additionally, public spaces such as Cubbon Park in Bengaluru and the Bengaluru International Airport have also adopted the Miyawaki method, planting thousands of native trees to establish green buffers that reduce noise pollution and improve air quality. Pushkar Kumar, an Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, also highlights the efforts of BBMP and BDA, whose forest wings have undertaken plantation drives and implemented green belt initiatives. “Tree parks such as Jarakabande in the north and Banashankari in the south are 2 out of the 132 excellent examples of initiatives taken by the government under the Tree Park Scheme and for preserving green cover for the future generations,” he says. “We advise adopting a coexistence model, where wildlife is not disturbed and urban planning accounts for their needs.”
Designing for sustainability
Urban planners like Abhay D., a designer and urban planner in Bengaluru, stress the importance of striking a balance between development and maintaining green spaces. “Development has primarily been driven by concrete, but we need to find a balance,” he says, pointing out that thinking about sustainable architecture is essential today. “I often recommend incorporating courtyards in houses to bring in more green and encourage clients to use sustainable materials and select plants that positively influence mood,” he says.
Forest created through Miyawaki technique at Alembic Urban Forest, Whitefield. | Photo Credit: Akriti Duggal
He also emphasises the need to incorporate more local and native plants into urban landscapes. “Exotic plants are often chosen for sale purposes, but they require more maintenance. Local plants are much better because they adapt to the environment and are lower maintenance. For example, the snake plant is an excellent air purifier,” says Abhay, who is currently designing a school in Bengaluru, carefully selecting plants that enhance the environment while also ensuring the health and safety of the children. “Sometimes, too much oxygen from plants can be harmful, so balance is key,” he believes.
Published - January 21, 2025 09:00 am IST
