Mysuru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate ‘Bharat Vana’, a Miyawaki-based mini forest developed at the foothills of Chamundi Hill, during his visit to Mysuru on November 13. He is also scheduled to launch various development works in the city.
The green initiative has been developed under the ‘Namma Mysuru, Namma Koduge’ programme, with the objective of increasing Mysuru’s green cover and protecting the region’s biodiversity.
The project is expected to add a new green space to the city while supporting efforts to improve the local environment. Its location at the foothills of Chamundi Hill also gives it significance as part of the broader focus on protecting the natural surroundings of the historic landmark.
Project aims to increase Mysuru’s green cover
‘Bharat Vana’ has been conceived as a Miyawaki mini forest, a method of developing dense green spaces by planting a variety of trees and vegetation in a relatively small area.
The initiative aims to improve the city’s green cover and contribute to the conservation of local biodiversity. The project forms part of the ‘Namma Mysuru, Namma Koduge’ initiative, which seeks to encourage contributions towards the city’s development.
The development of urban green spaces is an important part of improving the environmental quality of cities. Such spaces can support vegetation, provide habitats for birds and other small wildlife, and contribute to a healthier urban landscape.
The proposed forest at Chamundi Hill is expected to become part of Mysuru’s green infrastructure.
SBI Foundation and SBI Bank to support project
The Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the SBI Foundation and State Bank of India to support the development and maintenance of Bharat Vana.
The project will receive funding under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative of the SBI Foundation and SBI Bank. Non-governmental organisations will be involved in implementing the project and looking after the forest.
Under the arrangement, the organisations concerned will be responsible for developing and maintaining Bharat Vana for the next two years.
The partnership is intended to provide financial and organisational support for the creation and upkeep of the green space during its initial period.
Focus on biodiversity and environmental protection
Apart from expanding the city’s green cover, the project aims to support biodiversity in the region. The development of a mini forest with varied vegetation is expected to create a habitat for local biodiversity and strengthen the ecological value of the area.
The initiative also comes amid wider attention to the environmental protection of Chamundi Hill and its surroundings. The hill is an important natural and cultural landmark of Mysuru, and discussions on its conservation have included measures to address environmental pressures.
With the inauguration scheduled during the Prime Minister’s November 13 visit, Bharat Vana is set to become one of the green development initiatives highlighted during the programme.
The two-year maintenance arrangement involving the SBI Foundation, SBI Bank and participating NGOs will be important in ensuring the forest receives continued care after its development.