The BDA complex at Indiranagar, which is home to raintrees, gulmohars, silver oaks, ficus and jungli jalebi trees, is now up for redevelopment, much to the chagrin of locals, as it will be at the cost of 171 trees.

A citizen-driven tree census aims to create awareness among citizens and planners about the importance of trees.

The census, organised by #UnitedBengaluru, Vruksha Foundation and iChangeIndiranagar, will involve citizen volunteers.

“Several development projects are announced with little to no understanding of the city’s biodiversity, as planners do not know the ground reality. Each tree in the BDA complex is invaluable. We want people to understand this, so that they are better prepared to fight against the project,” said Vijay Nishanth from Vruksha Foundation.

He told The Hindu that this was the first such tree census involving citizens in the city. “We have conducted a tree census in many neighbourhoods and areas independently, but never with citizens. We have received tremendous response to the initiative. A team is already in place to undertake the census,” he said.

Residents of the area have been demanding public consultation over the project. They allege that the BDA has not been forthcoming with any information. They are demanding that the space be used to develop a lung space in Indiranagar.