Planning and management of parks and green areas The case of Bangalore metropolitan area

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to discuss how to plan and provide for people's relaxation and engagement, cognitive and aesthetic needs. Symbolic of this is the green city image, which is obtained through planning and management of parks and green areas. Design/methodology/approach - The approach here is to note that Bangalore has gained all-round importance as an administrative, trading and industrial center and a location for premier educational institutions along with large IT and BT industries. Also, it is a center of strategic importance, due to a concentration of defense establishments. The study observes the abundance of parks and avenue trees and green areas along with green median and traffic islands all through in the city, which provide shade and meet the purely ecological and aesthetic needs. Findings - The study reveals the beneficial impact of green areas on the microclimate of the city, which also serve as outdoor recreation areas to the city people. The parks and green areas need serious rejuvenation as centers of social activity and they should cater to peoples' active and passive recreation needs and abate the stress of urban living. Practical implications - The implication of this study is the manifest importance of different local government authorities, institutional arrangements, NGOs with expertise to maintain parks and green areas in and around the Bangalore Metropolitan Area and of growing more trees and developing greeneries within the city of Bangalore. Originality/value - This paper's value is to promote awareness regarding the complexities and importance of parks and green areas and their vulnerabilities and management.