New layouts, both government and private, have to earmark a designated area to create “urban forest” which will act as a local lung space.
With the number of trees dwindling on the roadside, and people opting for dwarf plants in their gardens, the forest department is thinking of increasing the quality of green cover across the state.
The department is holding discussions with civic bodies to implement the project. Depending on the size of the layout, an area will be dedicated to grow indigenous trees. The concept of tree parks will be replicated and some of the fast-disappearing species of trees will be planted in these spaces.
Additional PCCF Vinay Luthra said the Bangalore Development Authority has come forward to form urban forests at its new layouts. “We are giving the final touches to the plan,” Mr Luthra asaid.
The department is also planning to revisit older plantations at minor and state forests in Bengaluru Urban district, so that old eucalyptus trees can be replaced with native species, which are ecologically important.
A senior BDA official said there are dozens of open lands and minor and state forests in and around the city. “We are targeting the minor forests, like Turahalli near Kengeri, Bhootanahalli off Bannerghatta Road, surroundings of Tataguni Estate near B.M. Caval Forests and some patches on Bellary Road. Besides creating urban forests in new layouts, the BDA is also planning to develop some of the barren lands in Bengaluru. We have already taken up planting of more than 3,000 trees in various parts of the city,” he said.
Tree lovers, however, cautioned the agencies on the choice of tree species and the land being chosen to plant them. Last year, the BDA came under severe criticism after it took up planting of trees on Hesarghatta grasslands.