Making a difference by hitting back with greenery

Making a difference by hitting back with greenery
— Garima Sethia

Bangalore: Bangalore’s green cover has reduced by over six per cent over the past 15 years, thanks to deforestation. Rapid urbanization has triggered an ecological imbalance and global warming, leading to a rise in temperature.
To create a non-toxic environment and replenish the green cover, a group of environment enthusiasts is working on a project — Green Dream — under the Rotary, Bangalore IT Corridor (RBITC) banner. “Infrastructure development has seen thousands of Gulmohar, Neem, Mango, Cherry, Banyan, Seethaphal and rain trees disappear over the years. While the city needs to keep pace with its human and vehicle population, the green cover is also important,” said a project member.
RBITC, started a couple of years ago, has successfully planted more than 500 trees around Varthur Lake and 1,000 trees along the road that leads to Varthur. Now, it plans to expand the project to Whitefield by planting one lakh trees native to the city.
The project will be carried out with assistance from environmentalists, forest department and BBMP. Individuals and corporates are also welcome to be a part of the campaign.
The organization is looking for people to care for the planted saplings. An individual or corporate may contribute financially or offer land for plantation. “You can also identify areas to plant trees or plant them yourself. We need volunteers to maintain saplings till they grow,” the member added. It costs about Rs 100 to procure a sapling, plant and maintain it for a year. Volunteers will be given a souvenir as a token of appreciation.
LOOKING TO RESTORE NATURE
Flowering trees like Flame of Forest, Camel’s Foot, Indian Coral, Bombax Ceiba (silk cotton), etc are native to Bangalore. Also Mango, Jackfruit, Neem, Banyan, Peepal, Singapore Cherry, Ficus, Jamoon and Tamarind, that attract insects and birds. The project is looking for volunteers for planting and looking after saplings. An individual or corporate may contribute financially or offer land for plantation Whom to contact: Gita Sriram, project coordinator — 9886112444. Visit the website www.greendream.rbitc.org