The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has announced a citywide tree plantation drive. This initiative, slated to take place from August 6 to 12, aims to plant approximately 19,850 saplings across various lakes and parks. The drive underscores the BBMP’s commitment to fostering environmental sustainability and improving the city’s ecosystem.
The BBMP’s forest department has meticulously planned this week-long event, ensuring that each of the city’s zones receives specific targets for the number of saplings to be planted. This structured approach is designed to optimise the distribution of green spaces across Bengaluru, thereby creating a more balanced and healthier urban environment. The saplings, carefully selected and collected in advance, reflect a diverse array of native species that are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions.
A key aspect of this initiative is the involvement of the local community. The BBMP is actively encouraging citizens, Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs), and lake conservation groups to participate in the tree plantation efforts. By engaging a wide cross-section of the population, the civic body aims to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the environment among Bengaluru’s residents. The collaborative nature of this drive is expected to strengthen community ties and promote a culture of environmental stewardship. To facilitate public participation, the BBMP has provided contact information for the Range Forest Officers (RFOs) in various zones. Interested individuals and groups can reach out to their respective RFOs to coordinate their involvement. The designated contact numbers are as follows: Yelahanka: 7019196107; Mahadevapura: 9480685541; Bommanahalli: 9480685399; RR Nagar: 776055345; and Dasarahalli: 9448234928. These officers will serve as the primary points of contact for the drive, offering guidance and support to participants.
The tree plantation drive is part of a broader strategy by the BBMP to enhance Bengaluru’s green infrastructure. It aligns with the city’s goals of increasing urban greenery, mitigating pollution, and improving air quality. Moreover, it represents a proactive measure to counter the adverse effects of rapid urbanisation, such as heat islands and reduced biodiversity. By planting nearly 19,850 saplings, the BBMP hopes to lay the groundwork for a greener, more sustainable future for Bengaluru. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of environmental conservation in urban planning. As cities around the world grapple with the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, Bengaluru’s tree plantation drive serves as a timely reminder of the critical role that local governments and communities can play in creating a more sustainable world.
