BANGALORE STREET
UN HABITAT A vision for cities has never been more important than it is today. More than half of the world’s inhabitants live in cities and this migration trend is expected to continue. By 2030, India alone is expected to double the number of city dwellers by adding 404 million new people to cities over the next 35 years. UN-Habitat is the United Nations programme working towards a better urban future. Its mission is to promote socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements development and the achievement of adequate shelter for all under Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), officially known as transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development are an intergovernmental set of aspiration Goals. Visualising sustainable cities under Goal 11 focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
INTRODUCTION As cities grow, people engage with it and influence their future in different ways. But are we changing for a better future? Cities are becoming bigger and bigger at the expense of trees that are abound in that area. Bengaluru once known as ‘Garden City’ of India is losing its green cover at a very fast pace. The consequences are evident; diseases are on rise, anxiety is on the ascendance, discontent is brewing at home and in work. The cure of this malady can be made by changing our attitude towards nature. A town or a city with trees raising their heads around and within can heal the wounds left on a man’s soul by technical misadventures. The presence of trees in our immediate vicinity will have a salutary effect on the human psyche. This book illustrates six different native trees of India that can be easily grown and maintained in Bengaluru which has immense health as well as environmental benefits.
Cluster Fig Tree (Ficus Racemosa) is also known as Gular in Hindi and Atthi mara in kannada
CLUSTER FIG TREE What are the Health Benefits? Cluster fig tree is astringent, tonic and useful in treatment of pimples, leucoderma, burn marks, piles, chiken pox, boils, stomach ache, dysentry, hemorrhage, and internal bleeding to name few. Why Cluster Fig Tree? The dense canopy provides shelter to birds, bats, baboons and many other organisms. How can you grow this? Can be easily grown with 2-3m stem cutting. Did you know? 50% of the birds population has reduced in Bengaluru due to rising temperature.* *Source: Arboriculture & Landscaping, S. Sridar, INCERT, Bangalore
Neem Tree (Azadirachta Indica) is also known as Indian lilac in english and Bevu in kannada
NEEM TREE What are the Health Benefits? In ayurveda’s neem tree is described as sarva roga. It aids cancer treatment, helps reduce weight, major skin diseases, gum diseases, bad breath and baldness to name few. Why Neem Tree? It not only cures health but also curer of environment. Extremely useful in urban forestry as it has remarkable ability to withstand air and water pollution as well as heat. How can you grow this? Can be easily grown by soaking seeds in water 24 hours before sowing. Did you know? 36.5% of the Bengaluru population is suffering from chronic asthma.* *Source:www.newindianexpress.com
Peepal Tree (Ficus Religiosa) is also known as Pipal in Hindi and Arali mara in kannada
PEEPAL TREE What are the Health Benefits? Peepal Tree is considered most auspicious tree in India. Helps in curing asthma, heart disorders, infertility, wounds and constipation to name few. Why Peepal Tree? It is only native tree that releases oxygen 24 hours, providing best solution for reducing air pollution and rising temperature. How can you grow this? Can be easily grown by 2-3m stem cutting. Did you know? 66% vegetation of Bengaluru city is reduced in 40 years.* *Source: www.ces.iisc.ernet.in
Indian Beech Tree (Pongamia Pinnata) is also known as Karanj in Hindi and Honge in kannada
INDIAN BEECH TREE What are the Health Benefits? Leaf, Fruit and seed is used for treating diseases like eczema, itch, diarrhea, arthritis, wounds & worms, and diabetes to name few. Why Indian Beech Tree? This is on tree which can produce second generation bio-fuel. Growing this tree can help reduce amount of air pollution and is well suited for protection from heat and sunlight due to dense canopy. How can you grow this? Can be easily grown by soaking seeds in water 24 hours before sowing. Did you know? Bengaluru is ranked 2nd in the list of cities with highest air pollution in India.* *Source: Survey released by Breathe Blue’15
Ivorywood Tree (Wrightia Tinctoria) is also known as Mithaindrajau in Hindi and Beppale in kannada
IVORYWOOD TREE What are the Health Benefits? Ivorywood tree referred as medicinal plant is best medicine for blood pressure and diarrhea. Also useful for treating ringworm, psoriasis, dandruff, herpes, and toothache to name few. Why Ivorywood Tree? This tree is indegenous tree that insanely attract bees, birds and insects which help to sustain biodiversity. How can you grow this? Can be easily grown by soaking seeds in water overnight before sowing. Did you know? Bee’s pollinate 80% of the food we eat.* *Source: www.greenpeace.org
Jaman Tree (Syzygium Cumini) is also known as Jamun in Hindi and Jum nerale in kannada
JAMAN TREE What are the Health Benefits? Each part of this wonder tree can be used for medicine. It minimizes risk of cancer, improves bowel movements, sore throat,fatigue and strain to name few. Why Jaman Tree? Each tree helps environments but this tree tree is a strong tree and doesn’t require much care. It can tolerate frost as well as long spells of summer. How can you grow this? Can be easily grown by direct sowing seeds. Did you know? Bengaluru has only 1 tree for every 7 persons instead of 1 tree per person to live healthy.* *Source: Energy and Wetlands Research Group and Karnataka State Pollution Control Board
THE VALUE OF A TREE A tree that lives for 50 years, Generates Rs 5.3 lakhs worth of oxygen, Recycles Rs 6.4 lakhs worth of fertility and soil erosion control, creates Rs 10.5 lakhs worth of air polltion control, and Rs 5.3 lakhs worth of shelther for birds and animals. Besides it provides flowers, fruits, food, oils, fiber, fragrance, and timber. So, when even one tree falls or is felled, the city loses something worth more than Rs 32 lakhs. Source: Arboriculture and Lanscaping, Hemmige Mohan
Its not always a bad idea to go back to the past. Can you imagine a nice cold breeze swaying through at 2pm in the peak of summer? Yes, Bangalore had such an amazing weather. Unfortunately, Bangalore is losing its greenery in an unprecedented manner. Research says, Bangalore doesn’t even have half a tree per citizen. This book gives information about trees which can help in reviving lost climate of Bangalore. It also provides information on health benefits which are received from various trees.
Š Concept and Illustration by Nidhi Desai
South Asian Perspective for the New Urban Agenda