The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Forest Department has earmarked a significant Rs 870 lakh towards the establishment of new nurseries and the implementation of plantation projects across Bengaluru. Aiming to bolster the city’s green cover, the BBMP Deputy Conservator of Forests issued a tender on August 19, inviting bids to create these nurseries and undertake new plantation drives in various locations throughout the city.
Currently, BBMP operates nurseries across its eight administrative zones, with an annual budget exceeding Rs 1 crore allocated to their upkeep. However, the announcement of additional investments to create new nurseries has drawn sharp criticism from environmentalists and activists. Their primary concern centres on the BBMP’s capacity to maintain its existing green spaces, given the apparent lack of adequate manpower.
Voices from the environmental community, including those from the Namma Bengaluru Foundation, have expressed scepticism over the necessity of new nurseries when existing ones are struggling with maintenance issues. Critics argue that instead of creating additional infrastructure, the BBMP should focus on enhancing the staffing and maintenance of current facilities. They emphasise that Bangalore is already home to numerous government-run nurseries, such as those managed by the University of Agricultural Sciences, Lalbagh, Cubbon Park, the Horticulture Department, and the Karnataka Forest Department. The call from these activists is clear: the city requires a stronger on-ground workforce dedicated to urban forestry. This workforce would not only maintain the health of existing trees and green spaces but also collaborate with citizens to support broader environmental goals, including combating climate change. There is a growing sentiment that the BBMP’s resources could be more effectively utilised by prioritising the upkeep and development of its current assets rather than expanding into new, potentially under-resourced ventures.
Furthermore, there is an appeal for the BBMP’s recently formed Environment, Forest, and Climate Action Cell to take a more active role in ensuring that existing green initiatives are adequately supported. This includes fostering collaboration between the Forest Department and various governmental and civic bodies to streamline efforts in maintaining Bangalore’s urban forestry. As the debate continues, the BBMP faces the challenge of balancing its ambitious green cover plans with the practicalities of resource allocation and effective management. The outcome of this initiative will not only impact Bangalore’s environmental landscape but also set a precedent for how urban development projects are managed in the context of sustainability.
