Karnataka - Bangalore   

A precious green heritage

Chitra V. Ramani

There are many trees aged between 500 and 1,000 years

STANDING TALL: Bangalore is home to some of the most magnificent and old trees, the most famous perhaps being the banyan tree at Ramohalli near Kengeri. — Photo: G.R.N. Somashekar

Bangalore: Banyan, mango, jacaranda, gulmohur, bougainvillea, neem and rain trees dot our cityscape. How many of us know that Sampige Avenue in Malleswaram was once full of champak trees or that Margosa Road got its name because of the neem trees that were planted all along the roadside?

We are surrounded by an amazing variety of trees, and one needs to stop and take note of them.

"There are several giant and ancient trees in and around the city. They must have been planted centuries ago. A few can still be found planted along the roadsides in Bangalore. These trees must have been planted by the Palegars or the Dewans during the reign of the Wadiyars," said S.G. Neginhal, former forest officer.

Mr. Neginhal said that he, along with Zafar Futehaly, ornithologist and environmentalist, was trying to make a list of at least a 100 heritage trees in the city

Mr. Neginhal said that other than the trees planted along the roadsides, there were several trees within the city's lung spaces — Cubbon Park and Lalbagh - that were aged between 500 and 1,000 years.

To participate in identifying heritage trees, email Mr. Neginhal at sgneginhal@gmail.com or call 23223981.

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