Haralur’s Waste-Ridden Plot Transformed into Urban Forest

Bengaluru: A project to reclaim a barren government plot in Haralur from garbage and construction waste has turned it into a thriving 10-acre urban forest, showcasing a successful model of urban forestry.

The Transformation Journey
In early January, HR Rajashekhar, a local resident, sought the help of AN Yellappa Reddy, a retired forest officer and chairman of the Bangalore Environment Trust (BET), to restore a 10-acre government plot in Haralur, near HSR Layout. The land, previously an abandoned quarry, had become a dumping ground for garbage and construction debris.

Over the next two months, more than 100 truckloads of waste were removed, and the land was flattened into a broad terrace to maintain its natural undulation. The cleanup process uncovered truckloads of plastic and non-biodegradable materials.

Collaborative Effort
Reddy enlisted GS Jayadev from the Deenabandhu Trust in Chamarajanagar, known for his work with native tree species, and Ravindra TC from Indus Herbs. Together with local children and students from government schools, they planted over 5,000 saplings. The project aimed to create an urban forest with rich biodiversity, avoiding invasive species and including nearly 100 native varieties.

The area, once known as the ‘Dinne Anjaneya’ zone, has now been transformed into a sacred grove, rejuvenating the landscape and providing a haven for local wildlife.

Police Department’s Adoption
The success of Haralur’s transformation caught the attention of Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda. Following this, VC Gopal Reddy, Deputy Commissioner of Police, City Armed Reserve (West), requested a similar project for a 10-acre wasteland behind the Chamundeshwari Police Quarters in Annapurneshwari Nagar.

In the past two months, the area has been revitalised with around 4,500 saplings and an additional thousand herbs and shrubs, supported by a private company. This new urban forest includes a nutrition garden and medicinal herbs like brahmi, chakramuni, doddapatre, and lemongrass.

Legacy and Future Plans
Both projects have been named in honour of EK Janaki Ammal, a pioneering botanist and field biologist. Reddy believes that there is potential to plant more than 20 lakh trees in barren lands around Bengaluru, which could significantly improve the city’s air quality and water security.

“We need to move from discussions to action. Restoring our urban green spaces is crucial for saving Bengaluru’s biodiversity and addressing climate change,” Reddy emphasised.

Read More : Centre to Register Gig and Platform Workers on eShram Portal