How to do a tree census: Ambalipura Lake volunteers’ experience

While government dillydallies, citizens show how to do it. A citizen initiative of data driven approach to sensitise people towards the environment.

If Bengaluru wants to maintain its last remaining lakes and trees, citizens need to take an active interest in preserving them. If the last decade is any indication, collaborations between BBMP and citizen-led groups have led to the revival of many of its lakes. Here is how a group of dedicated activists/citizens have been maintaining their neighbourhood lake along with the trees in the surroundings.

First the lake, then the trees

Lower Ambalipura Lake is a seven-acre lake with two acres of wetland. The water body is surrounded by apartments – SJR Redwoods, SJR Park Vista, Mantri Flora and Trinity Acres, and the Iblur Military campus. Once threatened with extinction, the lake area and its surroundings went through a transformation in recent years which has now made it a favourite spot for nature lovers.

From a puddle of water amidst a dry patch of land to lush greenery with water
Before and after rejuvenation of the Lower Ambalipura Lake. Pic: Shubha Ramachandran and Priya Nair

Read more: Lower Ambalipura lake: Alive and thriving by citizen efforts


Lower Ambalipura Kere’s story

In 2009, a group of active citizens residing in the neighbourhood got together and collaborated with BBMP to rejuvenate Lower Ambalipura lake. The lake was unrecognisable as there was no water, had overgrown weeds and was contaminated with sewage and filled with silt. The government, which maintained the lake from 2009-2014, had spent Rs 56 Lakhs on its rejuvenation. In 2014, Mahadevpura Parisara Samrakshane Mattu Abhivrudhi Samiti (MAPSAS), a nonprofit trust formed by residents in the neighbourhood for lake maintenance, signed an MOU with BBMP for maintaining the lake. They appointed a dedicated gardener, Seenappa, to maintain the greenery around the lake. MAPSAS maintained it till 2019. In 2020, the lake was handed over to active volunteers.

Rainwater from the Upper Ambalipura lake flows into the Lower Ambalipura lake and the excess water flows down into Iblur lake across Sarjapur main road via a stormwater drain outlet.

Board showing the lake map
Lower Ambalipura Lake map. Pic: Biometrust.org

Unique identification numbers for the trees

Despite growing urbanisation, the lake was fortunate to have over 1200 trees of 75 varieties thanks to the annual tree plantation drive conducted by the residents. Yet, the lake volunteers found some plants and trees were disappearing.

The team realised that just planting and nurturing was not enough; there was a need for documenting them. So they set out to create a repository of authenticated data which is educative and informative and can be used to bring awareness and sensitivity to the environment. Each tree was thus tagged with a number and photographed with GIS coordinates along with the taxonomy of the tree.

People marking trees
Geotagging of trees at the Lower Ambalipura Lake. Pic: Kavitha N Kishore

Students volunteered for the tree census project

Kavitha Kishore served as the project director focusing on the sustainability of ecosystems in urban spaces. 25 Students of Jyothi Nivas college actively participated in the numbering of trees and GIS tag. They were mentored by Dr Priyadarshini, Head of the Department of Botany, Jyothi Nivas College and Dr Jagadeesh, Joint Director Lalbagh horticulture and team.

The team was guided by subject experts including Dr K. S. Shashidhar, IFS, Former Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Chief Wildlife Warden, Nagaland Forest Department and Dr Shrungeswara – Curator GKVK team.

JNC College team members
The team from Jyothi Nivas College, Koramangala participated in the Tree census project at the Lower Ambalipura Lake. Pic: Kavitha N Kishore

Read more: Whom do you call to fix your lake?


Tree Census Methodology

The team divided the lake into four quadrants – North, South, East, West and Island region. Then they started checking each tree with a minimum height of 2.5 metres. The identified trees were tagged with GIS information such as:

  • Sl No., e.g: BALAS082 (BA – Bangalore, LA – Lower Ambalipura, S – South, XXX – Serial No)
  • The common name, e.g., Indian Beech Tree
  • Botanical name, e.g., Millettia pinnata
  • Family, e.g., Fabaceae
  • Kannada name, e.g., Honge mara
  • Origin of the species, e.g., Native
Tree identification from tree census data
Sample tree census data of the Lower Ambalipura Lake. Pic: Kavitha N Kishore

Observations: Tree census highlights

1200 trees were identified and classified as Native, Exotic or Dormant (Dead trees that are equally beneficial in providing the much-needed habitat for flora and fauna in an ecosystem). They found a high number of native trees, and in all, around 75 different tree species. The trees were equally distributed among all geographical quadrants

A graph showing origin and distribution of trees
Types of trees and their distribution along the Lower Ambalipura Lake. Pic: Kavitha N Kishore

A green audit complemented the tree census

The team also checked Air Pollution Index (AQI) and temperature within the lake area and in the apartments around the lake. The volunteers found a significant difference in AQI between the lake and surrounding areas. In terms of temperature, a 2°-4°C variation was observed between the lake and surrounding areas.

They also did a water quality analysis and found no sewage or toxic content. The entire report can be found here.

AQI and temperatures marked on the map
Air quality over Lower Ambalipura Lake. Pic: https://www.iqair.com/in-en/india/karnataka/bengaluru and www.weather.com
Water quality report
Water Analysis of Lower Ambalipura Lake. Pic: Kavitha N Kishore

The audit helped find that the soil quality was good, with all values within the ideal range – the soil was rich in humus thanks to the regular mulching. Soil analysis was done with the help of The Department of Horticulture, Biocentre Hulimavu, Bannerghatta, Bengaluru 560076. No pesticide or toxic content was observed and no plastic content was found. The entire report can be found here.

compost mixed in soil
The soil around the Lower Ambalipura Lake. Pic credit Kavitha N Kishore
soil quality report data
The soil quality report around the Lower Ambalipura Lake. Pic: Kavitha N Kishore

The team found rich biodiversity supporting a well-balanced ecosystem. A wide variety of flora and fauna were documented in the area – over 40 bird species were spotted there.

The economic value of trees

Whilst the environmental and biodiversity benefits of a tree are well-known, a Supreme court-appointed committee has pegged the monetary value of trees, based on the value of oxygen they release and other environmental benefits:

  • The monetary value of a tree = Tree’s age x Rs 74,500 per year, of which :
    • The cost of oxygen alone is Rs 45,000/-
    • The cost of biofertilizers is Rs 20,000/-
    • Plus the cost of micronutrients and compost

A green lung space for residents

The residents of the neighbourhood benefit from cool, open space, making use of the walking/jogging pathway for regular exercise for themselves and their pets, as well as leisure activities of birdwatching and photography. The numerous birds, plants, trees, flowers and butterflies help rejuvenate the mind and body.

The volunteers have shown that anyone with pride and passion for conserving lung space can make this happen. All it takes is a committed group of individuals working together along with authorities and becoming the eyes and ears of the lake. Such a group can ensure regular maintenance of the lake, planting as many trees as possible around the lake, and monitoring the water quality – keeping it clear of sewage or toxic waste. They need to ensure all rules and regulations are adhered to and highlight any threats to the lake for prompt action.

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Comments:

  1. Ajit Karnad says:

    We are fortunate to have this dedicated group of volunteers with Kavitha leading this team with equal contributions from all. I moved to SJR Park Vista in 2020 & noticed that the rainfall is more here due to the huge green cover. Thank you

  2. Lalitha Chacko says:

    I lived in trinity woods facing the lake for more than 15 years and hence witnessed its rejuvenation! One funny incident I distinctly remember, happened one afternoon.
    I could hear an earth mover in the lake area but couldn’t see what was actually happening because the compound wall is too high to see over! I yelled at the unknown entity on the other side threatening him with dire consequences if he brought down any trees!
    I later came to know of the great job being done! Have enjoyed many hours of walk around the lake, enjoyed listening to the birds! Many congratulations to the BBMP and all the parties involved in this project! May your tribe grow and continue the good work!

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