In one of the largest urban greening initiatives undertaken in the city, the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has announced plans to plant 15 lakh saplings in a single day across three of its major layouts in Bengaluru.
The mega plantation drive is scheduled for June 27, and is aimed at enhancing the city’s green cover and promoting environmental sustainability.
Three major layouts selected
The plantation campaign will be carried out in Dr Shivaram Karanth Layout in North Bengaluru, Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Layout in the western part of the city, and Banashankari 6th Stage in South Bengaluru.
Together, these developing layouts offer large open spaces suitable for large-scale afforestation and landscape development.
Notably, East Bengaluru has not been included in the initiative. Officials point out that the BDA has not developed layouts in the eastern part of the city, particularly beyond the Outer Ring Road, where a significant number of unauthorised layouts have emerged over the years.
Corporate and NGO support
To ensure the success and long-term sustainability of the project, the BDA has partnered with private companies and non-governmental organisations.
Companies are expected to support the initiative through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding, while participating NGOs will take responsibility for maintaining the saplings for the next three years.
Officials believe this collaborative approach will improve the survival rate of the newly planted trees and ensure that the benefits extend beyond a one-day event.
Boosting Bengaluru’s green cover
The plantation drive comes at a time when concerns over shrinking green spaces, rising temperatures and rapid urbanisation continue to grow in Bengaluru.
Environmental experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of increasing tree cover to improve air quality, support biodiversity and mitigate the effects of climate change in urban areas.
If successfully implemented, the initiative could become one of the largest single-day plantation drives undertaken in Bengaluru and contribute significantly to the city’s long-term environmental goals.