Mysuru records more than 1.21 lakh trees in citizen-led census

The Nammara Tree Census documented 1,21,789 trees in all 65 wards of Mysuru. | Photo credit: MA Sriram

In what is described as one of the largest citizen-led urban tree censuses in Karnataka, the ‘Nammara Tree Census’ has documented 1,21,789 trees across all 65 districts of Mysuru. Organizers say the exercise is the city’s first comprehensive database of its tree wealth.

The preliminary findings, released this month, mark the completion of a six-month survey that covered every ward within the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) limits. A detailed scientific report containing species analysis, green cover estimates, carbon sequestration data and a list of heritage trees is expected to be published in August this year.

Led by the Bherunda Foundation, headed by Ms. Trishika Kumari Wadiyar, the initiative is described as the first scientific attempt to count, geo-tag and permanently document every tree within the urban limits of the city. The exercise draws inspiration from Mysuru’s long-standing green heritage established during the reigns of former Nalwadi rulers Krishnaraja Wadiyar and Jayachamaraja Wadiyar.

The project evolved into a city-wide movement after the Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) and Mysuru City Corporation signed an MoU in October 2025 with the Center for Advanced Learning (CFAL), Mangaluru to conduct the census. The Bherunda Foundation joined the initiative in January 2026 and brings together government agencies, educational institutions, businesses, civil society organizations and volunteers.

More than 520 citizen volunteers, including students, engineers, teachers, doctors, homemakers and retired professionals, participated in the exercise. Survey teams traversed streets and neighborhoods across the city, recording GPS coordinates, species details, trunk circumference, health and growth conditions of individual trees using a digital platform developed by CFAL.

The census took place with the support of 21 partner organizations from the corporate, academic and social sectors.

According to the press release, the preliminary report stated that each documented tree was geo-tagged and assessed for its species, health and physical dimensions. The final scientific report is expected to provide tree density rankings, estimates of the city’s carbon storage and annual carbon absorption capacity, analyzes of native and exotic species, and recommendations for conservation and ecological restoration.

The report will also identify heritage trees that are over 100 years old and recommend them for legal protection.

A public data portal is planned to allow residents and others to access the tree database, search for trees by department or species, and report tree health concerns. The database will eventually be handed over to the Mysuru City Corporation as a living record of the city’s green infrastructure.

After the roadside tree survey is completed, the project will move to the next phase, which includes tree mapping in public parks and gardens, followed by tree surveys in schools, colleges, hospitals and temple campuses.

Published – 21 Jun 2026 14:23 IST