Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on Friday that an additional two lakh saplings will be planted in Bengaluru by school students this year under the ‘Hasiru Rakshaka’ (saviour of greenery) programme.
Speaking at a World Environment Day 2024 event organized under the Brand Bengaluru initiative at Cubbon Park, Shivakumar emphasized the importance of turning Bengaluru into a green city. “We are making agreements with all schools, colleges, and institutions. Each student must take responsibility for one plant. They should maintain and care for the plants in their respective areas. Their names should be associated with the plants,” he said.
So far, school students have planted 52,000 saplings as part of the Hasiru Rakshaka programme. The goal is to plant two lakh saplings this year by partnering with more schools. “Our existence depends on the green cover. Plants are tomorrow’s trees. Trees ensure rain, and we need water to survive. I am delighted that you are part of this environmental conservation activity,” he added.
Shivakumar highlighted that Bengaluru’s founder, Nadaprabhu Kempe Gowda, could not have imagined the city’s rapid growth. “Bengaluru is growing rapidly on all fronts. Our ancestors ensured green cover in Bengaluru, and it is our responsibility to continue this legacy. Hence, we have launched the Hasiru Rakshaka programme.”
Bengaluru’s temperatures, which rarely used to exceed 28 degrees, now surpass 36 degrees. The government has allocated Rs 310 crore for greening Bengaluru under various departments, with an additional Rs 100 crore from the 15th Finance Commission for environmental conservation. Shivakumar urged school students to plant and nurture saplings to secure a sustainable future.
He also noted that around 200 taluks faced severe drought due to a lack of rains in the state, and Bengaluru experienced a water shortage. “Programs like Hasiru Rakshaka will help prevent such droughts in the future,” he said.
