The establishment of a 45-acre urban tree park in Panathur marks an important milestone in a 15-year journey towards ecological restoration. This initiative has been spearheaded by environmental NGO SayTrees in partnership with the Karnataka Forest Department and with corporate social responsibility support from Qualcomm India Pvt Ltd. The park is intended to foster biodiversity, promote ecological conservation, and enhance community well-being.

Developed under the Karnataka Government’s Nagaravana (Urban Forest) scheme, the project aims to strengthen and expand green spaces within urban settings. The Karnataka Forest Department oversees approximately 145 acres of forest land in the Panathur village, of which 45 acres have been transformed as part of this initiative, highlighting a significant investment in sustainable urban development.

The Panathur region has been pivotal in SayTrees’ ecological journey. In 2011, volunteers from the organisation collaborated with the Forest Department to plant over 1,000 trees in an area that was largely barren at that time. Over the years, these saplings have grown into a robust green canopy, setting the stage for the new urban tree park. This development reflects the transition from initial community-led efforts to a more substantial ecological and public-use facility.

Features of the Urban Tree Park

The newly developed 45-acre park is designed to invite visitors to connect with nature while respecting the ecological character of the site. A key feature of the park is a 2-kilometre eco-trail, constructed with a murram track and curb stones, providing a natural walking route for both casual visitors and morning walkers.

In addition to the eco-trail, the park includes an open-air gym, a children’s play area, and an amphitheatre, collectively fostering opportunities for recreation, community engagement, and environmental education. These amenities aim to create an inviting space that encourages physical activity and social interaction among community members.

To bolster local biodiversity, the park has been equipped with nesting boxes, water features, and designated biodiversity zones. Furthermore, educational QR-coded boards have been installed throughout the park to inform visitors about the local flora and fauna, promoting a deeper understanding of the ecosystem.

Community Involvement and Future Plans

Kapil Sharma, Founder & Trustee of SayTrees, praised the project as a model for successful public-private partnerships in urban ecosystem restoration. He shared that the organisation plans to replicate this model in various cities across India, integrating scientific methods of afforestation, rejuvenation of water bodies, and fostering community stewardship to enhance climate resilience.

The Panathur urban tree park exemplifies the potential of long-term ecological restoration, facilitated by collaboration between government agencies, corporate partners, and local communities. As Bengaluru continues to evolve, such green spaces can play a pivotal role in promoting biodiversity conservation, supporting nature-based recreation, and encouraging public involvement in urban ecosystems.

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