How One Officer Planted 1.5 Million Trees in Bengaluru

Every summer, Bengaluru turns pink.

The blooms of Tabebuia rosea trees spill across roads and footpaths, drawing office workers and residents to pause beneath them. These seasonal blossoms carry a story that began in the early 1980s, when the city was losing its trees to rapid expansion.

As Bengaluru's population surged, roads widened and trees fell. Authorities planted saplings along new streets, but most didn't survive. The city once known for its tree-lined avenues was disappearing under concrete and asphalt.

That's when Indian Forest Service officer Seturam Gopalrao Neginhal stepped in with a different approach. Instead of treating tree planting as routine work, he made it long-term planning.

Neginhal started by walking. He studied soil conditions, observed how sunlight fell on different stretches, and analyzed traffic patterns in each neighborhood. He chose species carefully, selecting Tabebuia rosea for its shade and its seasonal blooms that would mark time across the city.

Protection became the next priority. Rather than expensive concrete guards, Neginhal designed low-cost tree protectors using bamboo and mesh. He invited residents into the process, asking people which trees they wanted on their streets.

For five intense years, teams planted and protected trees across Bengaluru. Much of the work happened at night along busy roads so the city could function during the day. By the end, more than 1.5 million trees had been planted.

The Ripple Effect

The plantations created more than beauty. They formed a protective green belt around Bengaluru at a time when climate conversations hadn't yet entered public discussion. The city's natural cover grew stronger precisely when it needed it most.

Decades later, the results remain visible. Shaded avenues cool traffic on hot days. Pink blossoms return each season, reflecting decisions made with care in another era. The trees Neginhal planted now stand tall, offering proof that thoughtful urban planning can last generations.

The petals fall and get swept away. Then the following year, the trees bloom again, carrying forward a vision planted when Bengaluru needed it most.

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