Over 500 Trees Uprooted in Bengaluru During Rains, Aging Ornamentals Blamed

At least 515 trees were uprooted and more than 1,500 branches snapped across Bengaluru during heavy rains last week, according to data from the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), despite the prior removal of over 1,200 hazardous trees by the forest cell. Over 90% of the uprooted trees were ornamental species, including Indian cork, Gulmohar, copper pod, Spathodea campanulata, Jacaranda mimosifolia, rain trees, and Tabebuia rosea, many of which are now 30 to 50 years old.

Environmental experts attribute the widespread damage to the age and structural vulnerability of these ornamental trees, which often have soft to moderately soft wood and limited lifespans. A.N. Yellappa Reddy, a noted environmentalist, said the city's historical preference for exotic ornamental species has created long-term risks, as these trees are less adapted to local conditions and more prone to failure during extreme weather.

Ganesan Rengaian, adjunct fellow at ATREE and former Tree Expert Committee member, said inadequate tree management, root cutting during infrastructure projects, and extensive concretisation around tree bases have weakened root systems, reducing stability. Dattatraya Devare, an environmental activist, added that the civic body has failed to comply with National Green Tribunal orders to preserve soil space around trees during road and drain construction.

The Special Commissioner of Forests, Environment, and Climate Change Management had previously directed urban corporations to maintain adequate soil space for trees during construction, but compliance remains minimal. The forest cell is expected to present a revised tree management and plantation policy to the GBA next week, focusing on native species and improved urban forestry standards.