Kalaburagi is gearing up for one of its most ambitious reforestation efforts yet, as the Forest Department prepares to plant two lakh saplings across key ecological zones in the district.
The initiative, driven by a clear mandate to boost the region’s green cover, is being rolled out in response to the growing need for long-term ecological resilience and sustainable land use. The plantation will primarily be concentrated in Chincholi taluk, a region already known for its comparatively higher forest density within the district. This targeted approach not only complements the existing forest ecosystem but also ensures that the new saplings receive the right environmental conditions to thrive. The saplings have been cultivated across several dedicated nurseries, including those at Chikkalingadalli in the regional forest zone, Linganagar in the wildlife sanctuary area, and additional units at Chincholi and Tajalpura under the social forestry division.
The green initiative spans three major taluks—Chincholi, Kalgi, and Kamlapur—each representing diverse forest classifications. These include the 13,488-hectare wildlife sanctuary, a 15,000-hectare stretch of regional forests, and 14,000 hectares designated as deemed forests. The planned plantation is part of a phased approach to revitalise degraded zones, improve soil health, recharge groundwater, and strengthen biodiversity corridors. In addition to native sapling propagation, forest authorities have sourced 15,500 large saplings from external nurseries in Rajamahendravaram to fast-track canopy restoration along critical stretches. These will be planted along a 50-kilometre road corridor, contributing to microclimate regulation and roadside ecosystem stability. An orchard is also being developed along this stretch to support local fruit-bearing flora.
Another 50,000 saplings are designated for plantation within the Narnal reaping block—a significant tract for landscape restoration—while around 22,000 saplings will be distributed to farmers at concessional rates to promote agroforestry. This integration of farm-based greening into the broader afforestation plan aligns with India’s national goals of achieving carbon neutrality and enhancing rural livelihoods through climate-resilient practices. The Kalaburagi project is being viewed as a blueprint for community-inclusive ecological restoration. By enabling farmers to participate in tree cultivation, and blending native species into road and block plantations, the Forest Department is ensuring a multi-layered ecological benefit that goes beyond aesthetics to offer carbon sequestration, habitat improvement, and economic value.
This initiative comes at a critical time as India confronts the escalating impact of climate change. Strategic forest expansion in semi-arid districts like Kalaburagi serves as both an environmental buffer and a social safety net, especially in areas vulnerable to drought and land degradation. As Karnataka steadily advances toward its sustainability commitments, Kalaburagi’s afforestation push stands as a local testament to how regional actions can support a national vision—restoring ecosystems, empowering communities, and investing in a greener future.
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Kalaburagi Plans Two Lakh Saplings For Green Future
