Mysuru forest officials have sanctioned the felling of 272 trees between April 2024 and March 2025 but simultaneously raised over 15,300 plants across a 51-kilometre stretch in the city to combat the green deficit.
This afforestation effort comes in response to rapid urbanisation and growing demands for infrastructure expansion, especially road widening projects which often target large roadside trees. The city’s green cover currently stands at just 13 per cent significantly below the 33 per cent national policy target outlined for maintaining environmental stability. In a bid to bridge this gap, the forest department has begun replacing earlier-used exotic species like Peltophorum with native varieties such as Peepal, Neem, and Indian Beech, which are known to support biodiversity and withstand local climatic conditions. Officials say these species are selected for their broad canopies and deep roots, enhancing their utility in urban ecosystems while providing long-term ecological value.
Among the more notable green efforts this year are plantation drives in layouts such as RT Nagar, JP Nagar, Indus Layout, and areas near the Mysuru Racecourse and Dasara Grounds. These initiatives cover both residential parks and road corridors, ensuring green spaces are embedded across the city’s expanding geography. The plantation effort spans even rural extensions like HD Kote Taluk, emphasising an inclusive ecological strategy. Urban development, however, continues to challenge conservation efforts. Officials acknowledge that many of the trees marked for removal are positioned in zones earmarked for infrastructure upgrades. Yet, new tree planting is carried out only after confirming the absence of immediate development plans in those areas. Each plantation site is maintained for five years, with a survival rate between 70 and 80 per cent, reflecting a focused investment in longevity and environmental stability.
City horticulture authorities are also contributing through initiatives such as Miyawaki-style urban forests in designated parks, cremation grounds, and institutional campuses. This method promises dense tree growth within limited urban space, aligning with the city’s vision of achieving a carbon-neutral and resilient urban ecosystem within two decades. Officials involved in the urban greening strategy insist they are not against development, but argue for mindful planning where trees are treated as long-term civic assets rather than dispensable obstructions. In contrast to past practices that led to recurring tree removal, current strategies focus on spacing and selection that can accommodate both ecological and infrastructure needs.
This nuanced approach may not fully eliminate the conflict between concrete expansion and green preservation, but it signals a deeper institutional commitment to sustainable urban growth. Mysuru’s example underscores the possibility of balancing development with ecological foresight an imperative for all Indian cities in the face of climate volatility and rapid urbanisation.
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