Ananya Lohia , Bengaluru - Bengaluru, once celebrated for its pleasant climate and lush green cover, is now battling an intense and unusual heatwave. Temperatures in the city have soared to levels residents say they have never experienced before. Raising serious environmental concerns, an Indian Forest Service officer has linked this sharp rise in temperature directly to large-scale deforestation and the rapid loss of green spaces.

Over the past few weeks, Bengaluru has recorded significantly higher temperatures than its seasonal average, leaving citizens struggling to cope with the sweltering conditions. Known as India’s “Garden City,” Bengaluru’s changing climate pattern is now drawing attention from environmental experts and officials alike. An officer from the Indian Forest Service has publicly highlighted deforestation as a major factor behind the city’s rising heat. According to the officer, the steady decline in tree cover due to urban expansion, infrastructure development, and illegal land clearing has disrupted the city’s natural cooling systems. Residents across the city have voiced concern over the changing weather. Many say that summers are getting longer and harsher each year, while the cooling breeze that once defined Bengaluru is becoming rare. Increased use of air conditioning and water consumption is also adding pressure on the city’s already strained resources. Environmentalists warn that if immediate steps are not taken to restore green cover and regulate urban development, the situation could worsen in the coming years. They are urging authorities to prioritize afforestation drives, protect existing trees, and adopt sustainable urban planning practices.

Bengaluru’s rising temperatures are not just a seasonal concern—they are a clear signal of deeper environmental imbalance. As the city continues to grow, the challenge will be to balance development with sustainability. The warning from the Indian Forest Service serves as a reminder: without urgent action to protect and restore green cover, Bengaluru risks losing not only its iconic climate but also its environmental stability. According to a weekly forecast issued by India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bengaluru will see mixed weather in the upcoming days.