More urban green spaces, better mental & physical health, need of the hour for B'luru residents

Sowmya Raju | NT Bureau

Bengaluru: Stay close to nature to enhance your physical and mental wellbeing. That was the message one could imbibe from the International Day for Biological Diversity, celebrated on May 22, which also presented an opportunity for Bengaluru to showcase its unique ecosystems and conservation efforts.

This year's theme, 'Be Part of the Plan,' encouraged everyone to participate in preserving and enhancing biodiversity. News Trail spoke to various environmentalists about the importance of urban green spaces for mental and physical well-being, gathering valuable insights on the city's ecological health.

Nupur Dharia, an environmentalist, shared her personal experience: “Last year, a trek in the Himalayas unexpectedly brought immense peace to my mind and soul, akin to a mental reset. I learned from the trek leader that many people use trekking for mental healing. Observing my surroundings, I noticed that genuinely happy individuals often stay close to nature, exercise regularly, and get daily sunshine.”

Dharia highlighted that studies show city dwellers are 21 per cent more likely to develop anxiety disorders and 39 per cent more likely to develop mood disorders compared to those with more exposure to nature.

Green spaces are linked to improved physical and mental well-being, reduced stress, enhanced brain function, and increased physical activity. Ulhas Anand, co-founder of Ecoedu, emphasised the crucial connection between mental health and time spent in nature.

“We have created a world that's full of technology and isolated ourselves from our natural surroundings. Green spaces, even those around our homes or on our balconies, provide a way to reconnect with nature. These smaller spaces support biodiversity and help us feel a sense of belonging to the natural world in an urban setting.”

Raghavendra B. Pachhapur, an activist, addressed the critical issue of biodiversity loss, stating, “Biodiversity loss has been significant over the past century, and it continues today. Lakes have the potential to be biodiversity hotspots if various departments collaborate with an ecological development approach. In urban areas, it is crucial to protect and conserve commons such as forests, lakes, and parks by planting native species and creating suitable habitats.”

Pachhapur suggested that the BBMP's Forest, Horticulture, and Fisheries departments focus on growing native trees, plants, and fish to support local biodiversity.Bhuvan Raj K., a wildlife enthusiast and bird watcher, reflected on his observations at Subramanyapura Kere since 2019.

The lake, transformed through weed removal and desilting, initially brought back various birds and reptiles, indicating a healthy ecosystem. However, increasing the lake's depth eliminated essential shallow habitats, causing a decline in bird populations.

Invasive tree and fish species, along with pet releases, have disrupted the native ecosystem, and invasive plants are spreading unchecked.

Raj emphasised the need for a scientific, localised conservation approach and community education on the impact of invasive species and the importance of native biodiversity.