Census For The Green Growth

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Thane’s recent tree census revealed more than 60% increase in tree numbers and greater diversity in species. While some states have legislated tree censuses, in places like Delhi and Surat, citizens have taken matters into their own hands. This not only tracks tree cover but also help protect heritage and rare species, engaging communities in the process. Could this grassroots approach help cities rethink their relationship with nature?

Volunteers mapping trees as part of the Talking Earth tree mapping project | Source: Citizen Matters

Based on the tree census carried out for the years 2017-2022, Thane Municipal Corporation released a report last year stating that the number of trees in the area had increased by 62.25%, along with the heterogeneity in tree species. The city government also identified and recorded heritage trees across the region. The census was carried out through GPS and GIS mapping, and focused on various attributes such as girth, height, age, canopy and health conditions of the trees documented.

In some states, such tree censuses have been mandated as per state-level legislations, such as the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act adopted in 1975 and recently amended in 2021.

As per the act, cities like Aurangabad, Nagpur, Pune, Mumbai and Nashik had undertaken tree censuses in their regions.

Volunteers measure the trees as part of Talking Earth’s tree mapping project in Bengaluru. | Source: Citizen Matters

Similarly under the Karnataka and Delhi Preservation of Trees Act, it is necessary for the tree authority to carry out a census whenever deemed necessary.

However, in the absence of any official censuses in Delhi, such exercises have been taken up proactively by citizens themselves. They initiated these efforts in pockets of the city when they noticed a lack of such data.

Additionally, Surat was the first city in Gujarat to conduct a tree census in 2014 on its own initiative. The data was then publicised on their website for everyone to access.

The tree censuses, although primarily led by municipal authorities, have sought collaboration from citizen groups, NGOs, and CSOs. Often, experts in the field assist in identifying heritage trees, exotic species, native species, and other such details, which are then made available to citizens. These censuses help keep track of the current tree cover of the city and protect it while being cognisant of safeguarding rare and endangered tree species and reducing illegal tree felling in cities. It also gives citizens an added impetus to be mindful of their area’s tree cover and suggest ways to contribute to its betterment. Read more here.

Has your city conducted a tree census, and if yes, do you know how many trees your city has?

• Yes
• No