A Legacy Rooted Deep
Sethuram Gopalrao Neginhal, a name synonymous with Bengaluru's greenery, was far more than just a forest officer; he was a visionary conservationist and
a skilled photographer. His journey began under the tutelage of his father, also a forest officer, instilling in him a profound respect for nature from a young age. This early passion led him to join the forest department, where his dedication was further cemented by experiences in diverse forest regions. Neginhal's early career was marked by a deep immersion in forestry, particularly in the dense jungles of Dandeli. His trajectory shifted significantly after reading Salim Ali's seminal work on Indian birds, which ignited a fervor for wildlife conservation. This led him to specialized training in wildlife management, equipping him with the expertise to manage critical wildlife habitats like BR Hills and Bandipur. His involvement in establishing Bandipur as one of India's first Tiger Reserves in the early 1970s, a period when the Wild Life (Protection) Act was enacted and Project Tiger was launched, underscored his pivotal role in India's conservation efforts. Neginhal’s commitment wasn't confined to pristine forests; he later took on roles that brought him closer to urban challenges, demonstrating his adaptability and broad vision for environmental stewardship.
Greening the Concrete Jungle
Neginhal's most impactful contribution arrived in 1981 when he was tasked with a monumental challenge: to reforest Bengaluru, a city rapidly succumbing to concrete expansion. Recognizing the failures of previous tree-planting initiatives, which often used saplings too short for cattle to avoid, Neginhal introduced a revolutionary approach. He insisted on planting saplings of at least six feet in height, a crucial detail that dramatically improved survival rates. To further protect these young trees, he devised an ingenious and cost-effective enclosure system using four poles and chicken mesh. This practical innovation ensured that the saplings were safe from grazing animals, allowing them to establish themselves firmly. Between 1982 and 1987, during his tenure as Deputy Conservator of Forests until his retirement, Neginhal personally spearheaded the planting of an astonishing 15 lakh trees across the city. This massive undertaking was not just about quantity; it was about strategic, community-involved growth, bringing life back to Bengaluru's barren streets and neighborhoods.
A Symphony of Species
The success of Neginhal's ambitious tree-planting drive in Bengaluru was not solely due to his innovative methods but also his thoughtful selection of species. He understood the importance of biodiversity and the aesthetic appeal of a varied urban forest. Neginhal judiciously blended a mix of both exotic and native tree varieties, ensuring that the city's new green canopy would be both resilient and beautiful. Among the trees he favored were the vibrant Amaltas (Golden Shower Tree) and Gulmohar, known for their spectacular floral displays, as well as the fragrant Champaka. He also introduced species like Jacaranda, celebrated for its cascading purple blooms, and Tabebuia, responsible for the city's striking pink and yellow floral carpets, including the Tabebuia rosea. Crucially, Neginhal involved the city's residents in the process, allowing them to choose the trees they desired for their streets. This participatory approach fostered a sense of ownership and ensured that the planted trees were not only ecologically beneficial but also cherished by the community, truly bringing the essence of a garden back into the heart of the metropolis.
