In a determined effort to protect the city's dwindling green cover, a group of concerned citizens in Bengaluru has launched a grassroots campaign. Their mission is to rescue mature trees that are slowly being killed by the encroachment of concrete and tar around their bases.
The Silent Strangulation of Urban Greenery
The campaign was born out of the observation that many large, seemingly healthy trees in the city were suddenly wilting and dying. The group, driven by environmental concern, decided to investigate the root cause—literally. They conducted thorough research and consulted with a geologist to understand the problem scientifically.
Their findings revealed a critical issue: the widespread practice of paving areas right up to tree trunks with concrete and tar. This creates an impermeable layer that acts like a death sentence for the tree. During rains, water cannot percolate through this hard surface to reach the root system. With minimal to zero water absorption, the trees suffer from severe dehydration and nutrient deprivation, leading to a slow and preventable death.
A Citizen-Led Initiative Takes Root
Armed with this knowledge, the citizen group moved from diagnosis to action. They are now actively working to identify affected trees across Bengaluru's neighbourhoods. The campaign involves raising awareness among residents and civic authorities about the harmful practice. Their goal is to physically remove the concrete and tar from around tree bases, replacing it with porous materials like soil or mulch that allow air and water to reach the roots.
The initiative highlights a common but often overlooked aspect of urban development. Rashmi Rajagopal is among the citizens spearheading this movement. The campaign gained formal recognition and was reported on 23 December 2025.
Why This Matters for Bengaluru's Future
The consequences of losing mature urban trees are severe for a city like Bengaluru, which has been grappling with rising temperatures and depleting groundwater. Trees provide essential ecosystem services:
- Temperature Regulation: They combat the urban heat island effect.
- Air Purification: They filter pollutants and improve air quality.
- Water Conservation: Their roots aid in groundwater recharge.
- Biodiversity Support: They offer habitat for birds and urban wildlife.
This citizen-led campaign serves as a powerful model for community action. It demonstrates that protecting the environment often starts with addressing local, tangible problems. The group's work underscores the need for smarter urban planning that prioritizes the health of existing trees alongside new infrastructure. The fight to save each tree is a fight for a more livable, sustainable, and greener Bengaluru.
