Mysuru tree census to begin on December 22

The upcoming tree census in Mysuru, slated to commence on December 22 with an ambitious completion target of March 2026, represents a significant step towards data-driven urban environmental management in India. This initiative, involving a broad coalition of industry, institutions, and citizens, underscores a growing awareness of the critical role urban green spaces play in enhancing liveability, mitigating climate change impacts, and promoting sustainable development.

**Background Context and What Happened:** India, experiencing rapid urbanization, faces mounting environmental challenges such as air pollution, urban heat island effect, and loss of biodiversity. Cities often expand at the expense of green cover, leading to ecological imbalances. In this scenario, initiatives like a comprehensive tree census become crucial. Mysuru, known for its heritage and relatively greener landscape compared to many other Indian cities, is proactively undertaking this exercise. A tree census involves systematically counting, mapping, and often cataloging details like species, age, health, and size of every tree within a defined area. This provides a baseline inventory of the city's green assets, which is indispensable for effective urban planning and environmental policy formulation.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:** The success of such a large-scale project hinges on collaborative effort. The **Mysuru City Corporation** (or the relevant municipal body) is the primary driver, responsible for planning, coordination, and utilizing the collected data for urban governance. **Institutions** include academic bodies (universities, research centers) that can provide scientific expertise, develop methodologies, and assist in data analysis, ensuring the census is robust and accurate. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) often play a vital role in community mobilization and awareness campaigns. **Industry** stakeholders can contribute through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, providing funding, technological support (e.g., GIS mapping tools, data management platforms), or even employee volunteering. Crucially, **citizens** are integral, serving as volunteers for data collection, leveraging their local knowledge, and fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship towards their city's green heritage. This multi-stakeholder model exemplifies participatory governance, a cornerstone of effective local administration.

**Why This Matters for India:** This initiative holds immense significance for India. Environmentally, accurate tree data helps in assessing carbon sequestration potential, identifying areas needing more green cover, and strategizing against the urban heat island effect, which intensifies during India's hot summers. From an urban planning perspective, it enables informed decisions on green infrastructure development, park maintenance, and compensatory afforestation projects. This aligns with national missions like the **Smart Cities Mission**, which emphasizes sustainable environments and green spaces. Socially, a well-maintained green cover enhances the quality of life, provides recreational spaces, and contributes to the physical and mental well-being of residents. Economically, green spaces can boost property values and support eco-tourism. Moreover, it serves as a model for other Indian cities grappling with similar environmental challenges, demonstrating how local initiatives can contribute to broader national environmental goals.

**Historical Context and Constitutional Provisions:** India has a rich history of environmental protection, albeit with varying degrees of implementation. Traditional reverence for nature is embedded in Indian culture. Post-independence, environmental concerns gained legislative traction with the **Forest Conservation Act of 1980** and the comprehensive **Environment (Protection) Act of 1986**. The **National Forest Policy of 1988** aimed for 33% of the geographical area to be under forest or tree cover. Constitutionally, the **42nd Amendment Act of 1976** introduced **Article 48A** (Directive Principles of State Policy), mandating the State to 'endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country.' Similarly, **Article 51A(g)** (Fundamental Duties) enjoins every citizen 'to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures.' The **74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992** further empowers Urban Local Bodies (like Mysuru City Corporation) to undertake urban planning, including environmental protection and promotion of ecological aspects, thereby providing a constitutional basis for such initiatives at the local level.

**Future Implications:** The Mysuru tree census is not merely an accounting exercise; it's a foundational step towards building climate resilience and fostering sustainable urban development. The data collected will form the basis for a comprehensive urban forestry policy, guiding future tree planting drives, managing existing green cover, and developing strategies to combat environmental degradation. It could lead to the development of digital platforms for real-time monitoring of urban green assets and encourage other cities to adopt similar data-driven approaches. Furthermore, by involving citizens, it cultivates environmental literacy and participatory governance, ensuring long-term sustainability and community engagement in preserving urban ecology. This local effort directly contributes to India's commitments under international agreements like the Paris Agreement, particularly in achieving its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) related to increasing forest and tree cover for carbon sequestration.