Bengaluru is set to mark Kempegowda Day with a massive tree-planting drive, distributing and planting 15 lakh saplings across the city. The celebrations will feature numerous city-wide events, with the flagship 'Green Bengaluru' initiative spearheaded by the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA).
Green Bengaluru Initiative Launched
The BDA's 'Green Bengaluru' campaign aims to enhance the city's green cover and promote environmental sustainability. As part of the Kempegowda Day festivities, the authority will coordinate the planting of 15 lakh saplings in parks, along roadsides, and in public spaces throughout Bengaluru. According to BDA officials, the initiative is designed to involve citizens, schools, and community groups in the greening effort.
City-Wide Events and Participation
Events will be held across all wards, including tree-planting ceremonies, awareness workshops, and cultural programs celebrating the legacy of Kempegowda, the founder of Bengaluru. The BDA has partnered with local NGOs and resident welfare associations to ensure widespread participation. A spokesperson for the BDA stated, "This is a collective effort to make Bengaluru greener and healthier. We urge every citizen to join us in planting and nurturing these saplings."
Impact and Future Plans
The initiative is expected to significantly increase the city's green cover, which currently stands at around 14%. The BDA has set a target of planting 1 crore saplings over the next five years. The 15 lakh saplings for Kempegowda Day represent a major step toward that goal. Officials emphasized that the survival rate of the saplings will be monitored, with maintenance plans in place.
Kempegowda Day, observed annually on June 27, commemorates the birth anniversary of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, the 16th-century chieftain who founded Bengaluru. This year's focus on environmental conservation aligns with the city's broader sustainability goals.
