Vijay Nishanth

Vijay Nishanth

President of Project Vruksha Foundation, Environmental Conservationist, Urban Tree Mapping Expert, Tree Doctor, and Animal Activist

Biography

An environmental conservationist known as India’s first 'Tree Doctor' with a focus on preserving and mapping urban green spaces. As the founder of Project Vruksha Foundation, I have led various conservation projects, including large-scale tree plantation drives, digital tree mapping initiatives, and advocacy for the protection of critical wildlife corridors and biodiversity.

In 2015, Played a key role in establishing Karnataka's first Tree Committee and was also appointed as a member of the committee by the High Court, contributing significantly to the protection and conservation of urban greenery in the state.


An advisor for News18 Network’s Project One Tree initiative, contributing to environmental content creation, participating in plantation drives, and sharing my expertise through various platforms. My work continues to shape sustainable urban development and promote the importance of green spaces in cities.

Key Achievements

  • Urban Tree Mapping: Mapped over 100,000 trees in Bengaluru, contributing critical data for urban planning and tree conservation efforts.
  • India’s First 'Tree Doctor': Pioneered innovative methods in tree care, urban forestry, and digital tree mapping.
  • Formation of Greater Hesarghatta Grasslands Conservation Reserve: Led a campaign to form a 5,010-acre conservation reserve, preserving critical grassland ecosystems.
  • Advisor for Project One Tree: Partnered with News18 Network as an advisor for the Project One Tree initiative, contributing to plantation drives and awareness campaigns.
  • Hubli-Ankola Rail Project: Played a pivotal role in preventing the cutting of over 3 lakh trees in the Western Ghats through legal interventions.
  • Biodiversity Advocacy: Protected elephant corridors in Bannerghatta National Park and led campaigns against illegal mining in eco-sensitive zones.

Awards & Recognition

  • International Recognition: Awarded at the World Green Infrastructure Congress 2018 for contributions towards sustainability.
  • Asamanya Kannadiga Award 2017: For outstanding contributions to environmental conservation in Karnataka.
  • Dr. Saalumarada Thimmakka National Greenery Award 2017: Recognized for exceptional work in tree conservation.
  • Community Service Award from Rotary Club 2017: Honored for community service through environmental initiatives.
  • Recognition by the MEG (Indian Army) as a Tree Doctor: Acknowledged for contributions in environmental conservation.
  • Environmental Service Award (2023) from Rotary Lalbagh: For continued efforts in environmental protection.
  • Achievers Award (2023) from Kannada daily Prajavani: For promoting environmental sustainability.
  • BMC Member for Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP): Contributed to urban environmental policies and initiatives as a member of the BBMP Biodiversity Management Committee.

Timeline of Major Milestones

2024

Became a key advisor for News18 Network’s Project One Tree, contributing to environmental awareness, content creation, and public engagement. Continued my involvement as a BMC Member for Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), promoting sustainable urban development policies.

2023

Successfully formed the Greater Hesarghatta Grasslands Conservation Reserve, a 5,010-acre protected area in Bengaluru. Recognized with the Environmental Service Award from Rotary Lalbagh and the Achievers Award from Kannada daily Prajavani.

2020

Garnered support from over 75,000 people to preserve the Hesarghatta Grasslands, an important ecosystem under threat.

2019

Prevented the felling of over 3 lakh trees in the Hubli-Ankola Rail Project through sustained legal interventions and public campaigns, highlighting the environmental impact.

2018

Fought against illegal mining activities in the Bannerghatta Eco-sensitive Zone, ensuring the closure of harmful operations. Received International Recognition at the World Green Infrastructure Congress for these contributions.

2017

Led a campaign to prevent the amendment of the Karnataka Tree Preservation Act, successfully protecting lakhs of trees from being felled. Also played a critical role in stopping the Steel Bridge Flyover Project in Bengaluru, saving over 2,244 trees.

2016

Joined the First Tree Committee of Karnataka as a board member, ensuring that sustainable development practices were integrated with tree conservation efforts in the state.

2010

Founded the Project Vruksha Foundation and launched India’s first digital tree mapping initiative. This project documented thousands of trees in Bengaluru, creating a comprehensive database to monitor and protect the city’s green cover.

2008

Appointed as Technical Head for a mega tree plantation drive under the Samartha Bharata initiative, coordinating the planting and maintenance of over 30 lakh trees across Karnataka.

2002

Started as a volunteer with the BBMP Forest Cell, focusing on rescuing urban wildlife and combating illegal trade. This experience laid the foundation for my journey in urban conservation and environmental advocacy.

Expertise

Vijay's expertise extends to urban conservation, animal activism, and innovative projects like studying solitary bees. As the driving force behind Project Vruksha, he continues to make significant strides in environmental preservation and sustainable urban development.