Bengaluru: Over the years, the greenery of Bengaluru is losing ground to infrastructure projects. And while the government approves compensatory afforestation projects, most of the trees or saplings planted anew are ornamental. This lack of biodiversity has proved detrimental to native species.
A case in point is the steel flyover. Green activists and residents are up in arms against the felling of 812 trees for the proposed steel flyover from Basaveshwara Circle to Hebbal. The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has justified it by stating that 60,000 saplings would be planted as part of compensatory afforestation.
But environmentalists and ecologists have objected, pointing out that ornamental or monoculture trees cannot compensate for the native species. It will significantly reduce the city’s bird and butterfly population.
In her essay ‘Protecting urban nature: lessons from ecological history’, published in The Hindu a fortnight ago, Harini Nagendra noted that the “systematic replacement of traditional roadside trees, such as mango, jamun and jackfruit, with ornamental species defies both traditional wisdom and modern common sense”.
Bird-watchers, too, have recorded a drop in that the diversity of species. Vijay Nishanth, member of the tree committee, said that birds are dependent on native species of trees, which are no longer in abundance in the city. Citing an example, he said that the Ficus Racemosa species of tree has an ecological value as it retains water and attracts nearly 30 species of birds. He pointed out that Mysuru Road, parts of Jayanagar and J.P. Nagar were once home to several birds and butterflies species. But that is no longer the case.
Ecologists suggest planting nectar and fruiting tree species as they will go a long way in increasing the bird population.
Nitin R., co-founder of Bangalore Butterfly Club, pointed out that during most of the afforestation drives, saplings are not planted in the same area. He said that there is a need for the Forest Department to apply their mind and carefully list the species that could help in maintaining the ecological balance. “The Hesaraghatta grassland, which would attract birds from Siberia, is now almost extinct. In that area, they have planted bamboos and eucalyptus, which itself is toxic to the soil,” he said.
Indrani Medhi, a lecturer at Dayanand Sagar College, wrote to The Hindu pointing out that wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are really not enough for biodiversity conservation. “The pressure of human activity is high and human conflict with wildlife is increasing every day. There is a need to find alternative ways to conserve endangered species. Planning a strategy for biodiversity conservation must include plantation of indigenous trees, shrubs, creepers, etc. and breeding of endangered species for conservation of the wildlife population,” she said.
Expert Speak
“The birds and the entire life system will be under shock as a result of habitat destruction. Once you cut trees or a forest patch, it takes 200 years to rejuvenate the life systems. Compensatory afforestation programmes are only meant for productive forestry and not ecological services,” says A. N. Yellappa Reddy, environmentalist.
People Speak
“While the government understands afforestation programmes, care is not taken to nurture the saplings. Due to lack of trees, birds are now growing nests on agricultural farms away from the urban concrete jungle” says Gangadhara Reddy N., convenor, Usirigaagi Hasiru.
“Conservation in urban areas will help protect local species of birds, animals and plants. People living in rural areas should be given alternatives to decrease their dependence on the forest for fuel wood, fruits and flowers,” says Indrani Medhi, a lecturer at Dayanand Sagar College.
