Greenery Shrinking By 2.5% A Yr; Less Than 9% May Be Left In 2031

Bhopal: Bhopal has long been renowned for its lush greenery, but this identity is increasingly under threat.
A study reveals that Bhopal is losing its green cover at an alarming rate of 2.5% every year. If this trend continues, by 2031, the city will have only 9% green cover remaining, and Bhopal will inevitably lose its upper lake and the natural cooling benefits it provides due to the urban heat island effect.


Senior professor, Sheetal Sharma, an architect, planner, and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) member with a PhD on Bhopal’s water bodies and green cover, conducted an AI-generated model to analyze the city’s green space journey.The study examined the Master Plans of 1995, 2005, and 2031 (Draft) to assess the city’s green cover in relation to proposed development.
The study compared sample points with Google and GIS maps of Bhopal and its planning area, separating built-up and green cover areas and mapping them with future projections.
“When TT Nagar was planned as New Bhopal, great care was taken to maintain an open-to-built-up ratio of one acre with 10% built-up area, ensuring that open spaces could contribute to sunlight, recharge, and other activities. However, in 2024, as we re-plan the same area, the open-to-built-up ratio has drastically changed to 1:90%. Simply put, out of one acre area, 90% will be built-up, and only 10% will remain open,” she said.
Research shows that in 2016, there were 0.92 million trees in the 1.46 sqkm area of TT Nagar, accounting for 74.6% of the area. As of 2021, the total number of trees has decreased to 514,934, which is only 41.70% of the area. If 29,000 trees are cut from this remaining 41.70%, the green cover will be reduced to a mere 26%.
Projections indicate that in the next 20 years, development will occupy 90% of the area, leaving only 9% for open spaces with trees.
According to a 2016 report titled "Modeling and Visualization of Urban Trajectory in Four Cities of India" by the Indian Institute of Science (IIS) in Bangalore, the city's green cover was estimated to be only 22 percent.
Between 2009 and 2019, Bhopal lost a staggering 4 lakh trees, significantly impacting its forest cover.
"The rapid loss of green cover in Bhopal is a major concern for the city's residents and authorities alike. Trees play a vital role in maintaining a healthy environment by absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen, and providing shade and cooling effects. They also help in reducing air pollution, preventing soil erosion, and supporting biodiversity.
"It is crucial to integrate sustainable urban planning practices that balance development with the preservation of green spaces. This can be done by adopting smart growth strategies, such as compact development, mixed-use zoning, and transit-oriented development, which minimize the need for sprawl and protect natural areas. The rapid loss of green cover in Bhopal is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and action," said Prof Sheetal Sharma.
She alarmed, "Govt should not dare to cut 29,000 trees as it may lead to major disaster to the coming generations."
By implementing effective policies, involving citizens, and adopting sustainable urban planning practices, the city can work towards preserving and enhancing its green spaces. "Only through a concerted effort can Bhopal regain its identity as a green city and ensure a healthier, more resilient future for its residents," she added.