Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, DK Shivakumar, announced on Saturday that the state government will plant 15 lakh saplings across Bengaluru to restore the city's historic identity as the 'garden city'. Speaking to reporters, he emphasized the administration's commitment to increasing green cover in the rapidly urbanizing metropolis.
Reviving Bengaluru's Green Legacy
Shivakumar stated, 'By growing 15 lakh saplings in Bengaluru city, we are making it a garden city once again.' The initiative is part of a broader environmental push by the Karnataka government to combat pollution, heat islands, and biodiversity loss. The saplings will be planted in public spaces, parks, along roadsides, and in institutional campuses.
The deputy chief minister did not specify a timeline for the plantation drive but indicated that the project would involve multiple government departments, local bodies, and citizen participation. The target of 15 lakh saplings represents a significant scaling up of previous annual plantation efforts in the city.
Addressing Urban Environmental Challenges
Bengaluru, once renowned for its lush gardens and tree-lined avenues, has seen a drastic decline in green cover due to rapid infrastructure development and real estate expansion. According to recent studies, the city's green cover has dropped to less than 10% of its geographical area, far below the 33% recommended by the National Forest Policy.
The plantation drive is expected to help mitigate the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, and support local biodiversity. Shivakumar's announcement comes amid growing public concern over environmental degradation and frequent flooding in the city, partly attributed to the loss of green spaces and water bodies.
Implementation and Monitoring
The government plans to use a mix of native tree species to ensure high survival rates and ecological benefits. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the Forest Department will oversee the planting and maintenance. Shivakumar urged citizens and corporate entities to participate in the initiative, calling it a collective responsibility.
This announcement aligns with the state's broader environmental agenda, including the 'One Tree Per Child' campaign and the 'Karnataka Green Budget'. The success of the 15 lakh sapling target will be monitored through geo-tagging and periodic audits, officials confirmed.
