• Although the merits of trees with regard to soil conservation, water retention, thermo-regulation, and as pollution sinks are well known to certain levels of the public, large scale publicization of these facts, backed up by solid scientific data, is still yet to be carried out in India. Carrying this kind of project in Bangalore has special significance, as this was once considered the “Garden City” of India.

  It is proposed by the BET (Bangalore Environment Trust) to conduct a meeting on the significance of trees, backing up their argument with scientific data provided by SECON Consultants. This data will be collected from treed locations, and compared with locations with similar traffic volumes, but lacking tree cover and could include:

  1. Temperature of ambient air (both shaded and un-shaded)
  2. Quality of ambient air (SO2, NOx, Particulate matter - PM10 and PM100)
  3. Physico-Chemical parameters of soil samples (Na, P, K, etc)
  4. Noise levels
  5. Evidence of flora and fauna supported by tree growth
  6. Questionnaires to local residents/workers from both areas

  It is hoped that this data will help present a strong case for the preservation of existing trees, and for carrying out a comprehensive afforestation program in Bangalore. The BET will also present data on falling ground water levels and possibilities for its recharge. It will also suggest the type of tree planting (including viable species) necessary to ensure the habitat of birds and other forms of life.

  Role of SECON Consultants:

  1. Collect samples (air, water, and soil) at fixed locations
  2. Carry out physical and chemical testing on collected samples
  3. Provide scientific reports to support the BET’s recommendations
  4. If necessary, to provide satellite imagery of areas important as groundwater recharge areas and recommendations for their preservation and improvement

  In collating and analyzing this data, our ultimate aim could be to obtain funding for SECON Consultants to carry out a large scale study covering the whole of Bangalore. This will allow the estimation of the percentage of area covered by tree canopy, building, impervious surfaces, and grass. At each site, tree’s species ID, trunk diameter, health, and crown diameter should be cataloged. The storing of data in a software package encompassing the above, will allow us to quantify and monitor the environmental enhancements of tree planting including air pollution removal, storm water runoff prevention and water quality improvement, carbon storage and sequestration, and energy savings realized when trees shade buildings and cool air through evapo-transpiration. Similar software is currently being used in the US by communities who wish to quantify the economic benefits of increases tree cover. This package would allow them to document, manage and improve their tree resources and influence policy decisions regarding the improvement and management of tree cover as a viable investment.

Trees can help cool the "heat island" effect in our inner cities. These islands result from storage of thermal energy in concrete, steel and asphalt. Heat islands are 3 to 10 degrees warmer than the surrounding countryside. The collective effect of a large area of transpiring trees (evaporating water) reduces the air temperature in these areas.

Trees also:

• Lower air temperature through shade.
• Increase humidity in dry climates through evaporation of moisture.
• Reduce glare on sunny days.
• Reduce wind speed.

We have recently completed preliminary studies following the data collection plan listed above. Please click on the links below to view documents and material related to this study. These documents may be freely downloaded and quoted, provided that its use is adequately referenced to our website and/or our company.