Tree count report of Mangalore city released

mangaloretoday.com

Mangaluru, Nov 10, 2023: "World Urbanism Day" was jointly hosted by Prof. Dr. Anirban Chakraborty, Director, NUCSER, and Prof. Ar. Vinod Aranha, Director, NIA, in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Goals cell of Nitte DU. The program witnessed the release of the tree count report of Mangalore City 2023.  

 

The report was drawn up after a year-long environmental study led by Prof. Dr. Smitha Hegde, NUCSER, managed by Mr. Rathan Kumar U, and documented by Ar. Shreeya Deosant, NIA, on Mangalore’s urban landscape. It concluded in the form of the "Tree Count Report - Mangaluru 2023." Ar. Dean D’Cruz, Principal Architect at Mozaic, Goa, released the book. The study was sponsored by Nitte (Deemed to be University) under the leadership of Prof. Dr. M S Moodithaya, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Nitte (Deemed to be University), towards creating a sustainable green Mangalore city for the next generations.  

Ar. Vinod Aranha extended a warm welcome to the guests at the event and introduced the guests for the day. Prof. Dr. Smitha Hegde presented the event’s theme. The chief guest of the day Ar Dean D’Cruz spoke on the importance of trees in urban landscapes and their tangible contributions to human wellbeing. Prof. Dr. M S Moodithaya, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of Nitte (Deemed to be University), delivered the presidential address. Ms. Shreeya Deosant, proposed the vote of thanks.

Highlights of the Tree Census and Green Coverage

Mangalore’s 50/60 wards surveyed, resulting in a total count of 19,171 trees, with Panambur ward (11) and Derebail (East) ward (23) having maximum trees.

A shocking 6.24% of green cover is found in public spaces, highlighting the need for more green initiatives in public places. The total green cover of Mangalore including private land, however, stands at 41.9%, a testament to the city’s private land owners’ commitment to environmental preservation.  Padavu (East) Ward (36) tops the charts with an impressive 64.81% green coverage. However, in the face of a dwindling number of independent plot owners and the escalation of developmental projects, green cover is the casualty.  As evidenced in ward no 44-Bunder (8.72%), Ward no 43-Kudroli (10.70%), and ward no 57- Hoigebazar (12.84%) display alarmingly low percentages of green cover.

The detailed carbon sequestration analysis highlights the Banyan tree’s remarkable capacity, with each tree locking away 6,172.972 kilograms of carbon. The Peepal tree follows closely, sequestering 1,414.22 kilograms per tree.

Temperature Trends

An analysis of Land Surface Temperature (LST) data spanning from 2014 to 2022 reveals striking temperature fluctuations across wards. Derebail North Ward (2.36°C) and Kambala Ward (2.24°C) recorded noticeable increases, while Thiruvail Ward (-1.49°C) and Bajal Ward (-1.30°C) displayed cooling trends. Kambala Ward (35.35°C) and Kodialbail Ward (34.5°C) recorded the highest temperatures in 2022, while Hoige Bajar Ward (30.40°C) and Bajal Ward (30.48°C) experienced the lowest. The correlation between increasing green cover and decreasing average temperatures suggests a significant environmental impact, offering hope for combating rising temperatures.

Mangalore average temperature has risen from 32.2°C in 2014 to 32.95°C in 2022, with an increase in the highest temperature recorded in Mangalore from 42°C in 2014 to 47°C in 2022 which is a 5°C increase.

Implications for the Future

As Mangalore grapples with environmental challenges, the findings stress on the importance of preserving and expanding green spaces.  It’s a reminder that Mangalore is surely and certainly heading toward an urban heat island.