The state government embarked on an ambitious campaign last year, aiming to plant 25 crore saplings over five years. The initiative began with the planting of five crore saplings during the 2023 monsoon. As preparations to plant another five crore saplings next year begin, an analysis by the forest department has revealed a 70-80% sapling survival rate across the state.
Interestingly, saplings planted in and around Bengaluru Urban district, excluding areas under the BBMP, have shown a remarkable 90% survival rate. This is significantly higher than the statewide average, making Bengaluru Urban one of the most successful areas in terms of sapling growth. In May 2024, Karnataka’s Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre ordered the geotagging of saplings to monitor their growth and health. A detailed report was prepared within three months, presenting data that indicates a promising survival rate of 70-80% across various forest divisions. According to Khandre, this rate reflects the collective efforts of the state’s forest management teams, volunteers, and communities.
The forest department’s analysis also showed that several districts in South Interior Karnataka and North Interior Karnataka reported an impressive 100% survival rate, while some hinterland areas in Kalyana Karnataka and Central Karnataka posted survival rates between 60-90%. With Bengaluru’s growing reputation for losing its green cover amid rapid urbanisation, the city’s plantation performance has come as a relief. Close to one lakh saplings were planted in different areas of Bengaluru Urban, barring BBMP limits. These saplings recorded a 92% survival rate in various forest blocks, while the linear planting along roads and public lands achieved a 95% survival rate.
This success is crucial for Bengaluru, which has seen extensive tree loss in recent years due to infrastructure projects and urban development. The high sapling survival rate offers hope for the city’s green revival. While the overall success rate is commendable, some forest pockets around Bengaluru have struggled. Areas like BM Kaval recorded a survival rate as low as 36%, the lowest in the state. Similarly, Turahalli minor forest saw a 59% survival rate. Senior officials attribute these lower figures to factors such as livestock grazing, rocky terrain, reclaimed lands with concrete-mixed soil, and a lack of moisture. Despite these setbacks, other regions like Gulakamale, Nelaguli, Hosadoddi, and Turahalli village have performed well, with sapling survival rates hitting 90%.
Meanwhile, Bengaluru Rural district has recorded even higher sapling survival rates. Non-forest areas achieved a 96% survival rate, while forest areas boasted an even more impressive 97% survival rate. These figures underscore the success of Karnataka’s ongoing green initiative and the crucial role Bengaluru Rural plays in contributing to the state’s forest cover. As Karnataka moves into the second year of its five-year plantation drive, the forest department remains committed to improving the survival rates further. Strategies to combat challenges in specific areas, such as increasing moisture retention and addressing grazing issues, are in the works to ensure that the statewide sapling survival rate continues to improve.
