BBMP to rope in ward members for tree census

Bengaluru: The role of ward committee members is not limited to deciding and keeping a watch on the works being carried out and the expenses incurred, but also counting the number of trees!

The BBMP is contemplating roping in citizens, especially ward committee members, to carry out the tree census. Though the BBMP had been planning a tree census for a long time, it had put it on hold for some reason or the other.

With this census, the BBMP will be able to identify the trees that are dead and posing a danger to citizens. Further, the BBMP has invited various environmental organisations and NGOs to join the tree census.

Forest department officials will conduct an awareness programme on how to conduct the tree census to volunteers and ward committee members. The officials will teach them how to maintain and record the history of trees and plants across the city.

Rs 1 crore earmarked
The BBMP has set aside Rs 1 crore for the tree census and other related activities. Though the money was earmarked in the 2016-17 budget, it was lying unutilised. However, it has been added in subsequent budgets. Since the BBMP forest wing is short staffed and repeated requests to fill up the vacancies have not been heard, the Palike has decided to rope in ward committee members. The civic body also aims to complete the census before the onset of monsoon.

The tree census will be done on street basis rather than ward basis. 

It will also record the species, age and stability of the trees, including those on the roadside.  

A senior official from the BBMP forest wing said that the tree census will help them in keeping the data on the trees and also in identifying dangerous and decaying trees. The BBMP then can take action to fell the dead and dangerous trees and safeguard the public and private properties.