🌳 Kadugodi in Crisis: Why Bengaluru Must Save Its Vanishing Urban Forest
Kadugodi Forest, one of Bengaluru’s last green lungs, is under threat from encroachment and urban development. Discover why this ancient forest must be protected to preserve Bengaluru’s ecological future.
Introduction: A Forest’s Final Stand
This article is based on original reporting by Citizen Matters Bengaluru:
🔗 Read the original report here
Kadugodi, once a thriving reserve forest on Bengaluru’s eastern edge, now faces destruction in the name of development. Roads, rail, and real estate threaten this precious green space that once formed part of Karnataka’s vast forest heritage.
Bengaluru’s forests, especially Kadugodi, aren’t just ecological zones—they’re cultural landmarks. But as urbanisation grows unchecked, citizens are rising up to protect what little remains.
A Legacy Rooted in Green
Karnataka has long celebrated its forests in literature, cinema, and folklore. The immortal words of Dr. Rajkumar—“Naaviruva Thaanave Gandhada Gudi”—echo the reverence generations have held for nature. These words aren’t just nostalgia—they’re a call to action.
In 1932, 35 forest blocks covering 11,000 acres were officially notified by the Mysore Maharaja. Kadugodi was one of them. Today, most have shrunk drastically, overtaken by tech parks, roads, and real estate.
Legal Deadlock: Forest or Free Real Estate?
Kadugodi Forest is now stuck in a bureaucratic and legal limbo involving multiple stakeholders:
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Karnataka Forest Department
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KIADB (Industrial Board)
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BMRCL (Metro authority)
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Private developers
Though the Karnataka High Court confirmed the land belongs to the state government, it failed to assign a specific department for protection. This loophole has invited further encroachment.
In response, the Forest Department is preparing to file a curative petition in the Supreme Court—an attempt to settle the confusion and reclaim undeveloped forest lands.
Kadugodi Tree Park: A Green Illusion?
From 711 acres in 1896, Kadugodi Forest has been whittled down to 177 acres as of 2021. Worse, only 22.5 acres is officially designated as the Kadugodi Tree Park.
But environmentalists argue this is window dressing—token conservation amid rampant destruction. Tree Park boundaries are vague, and nearby construction continues to eat away at the real forest.
The park, instead of acting as a symbol of green hope, has become a flashpoint for public outrage.
Urban Crisis: Floods, Heat, and Habitat Loss
Kadugodi isn’t just about trees. It’s about an entire ecosystem—jackals, peacocks, native flora, and biodiversity now pushed to the edge.
As Bengaluru battles water shortages, heatwaves, and flooding, urban forests like Kadugodi offer vital environmental services:
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Cooling city temperatures
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Recharging groundwater
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Preventing soil erosion and floods
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Offering air purification and mental wellness spaces
Losing it means accelerating the climate crisis locally.
Citizen Activism: The Resistance Grows
Local residents, activists, and civic groups have united to fight for Kadugodi. Public petitions, media campaigns, on-ground protests, and legal interventions all underscore one message: Bengaluru cannot afford to lose another forest.
This isn’t just an environmental issue. It’s about public health, heritage, and future-proofing the city.
What Can Be Done?
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State government must clearly allocate jurisdiction to the Forest Department.
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Encroachments must be mapped, reversed, and halted immediately.
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Tree Park boundaries should be redrawn to include remaining forest land.
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Public awareness must continue—because what is not seen, gets destroyed silently.
Conclusion: Will Bengaluru Wake Up in Time?
Kadugodi Forest stands as a living monument to Bengaluru’s past—and a lifeline to its future. The conflict between development and conservation must not become a tragedy of irreversible loss.
📌 This summary was created using the detailed report published by Citizen Matters Bengaluru.
👉 Click here to read the original article
📌 Tags:
#KadugodiForest #SaveBengaluruTrees #UrbanForestCrisis #CitizenMatters #EnvironmentKarnataka #TreeParkControversy #ForestEncroachment #BengaluruClimateCrisis #GreenCoverLoss #EcologicalBalance
⚠️ Disclaimer:
This article includes an AI-generated summary and enhancements based on original reporting by Citizen Matters. It is intended to raise awareness and improve accessibility. For full details, readers should refer to the original publication. This content does not substitute legal, journalistic, or environmental advice.
