20,000 saplings in City in next three years

20,000 saplings in City in next three years
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Bangalore Development Authority is all set to plant 20,000 saplings all over the City in the next three years. The decision has been taken to compensate the loss of green belt to the Bangalore Metro Rail project.

“This is necessary to restore the greenery in the city,” said Deputy Conservator of Forest B Venkatesh.

Work has already begun and over 5,000 saplings have been planted in Anjanapura in about 19 acres of land. Metro has also joined hands with BDA in its endeavor. Besides, the Karnataka Forest Department will provide 7,000 saplings and the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike will also plant 3,000.

Over 1,115 trees will removed at one stroke for Metro alignment.

“Trees like Sampige, Bugurai, Honge, and other indigenous flowering species have been planted. Over Rs 6 lakh have been spent to get saplings from the Forest Department,” he said.

“We are concentrating on planting plenty of sturdy indigenous trees which can withstand climatic variations. We have identified 12,000 sites to plant more trees,” he claimed.

Venkatesh added that the saplings will be planted on roadsides, to provide shade and replace the vanishing green belt. This would also prevent the trees from harm.

The trees will be maintained by the BDA and Tree Guardsmen for three years. Until the next survey is done, they will be under the supervision of the BDA, added Venkatesh.