More lung spaces in offing

More lung spaces in offing

Bosky Khanna. Bangalore



The Palike's record in maintaining the city's existing green spaces may be poor. But that has not stopped the civic body from allocating in its budget for 2009-10 Rs148.50 crore to its horticulture wing and Rs16.65 crore to the forest cell for enhancing and creating more lung spaces in the city.
While this measure taken by the BBMP officials has been appreciated, experts say that no plans or efforts are being made to maintain the existing lung spaces.
According to environmentalist AN Yellappa Reddy, "Spaces near storm water drains are available. But the BBMP must ensure that existing areas are first maintained. There is no mention of maintaining and developing lung spaces in residential areas, government schools and offices. Rather than focusing on new projects, BBMP must protect remaining spaces, create awareness among people by involving local communities and make a green brigade.''
In the meanwhile, BBMP's green Bangalore initiative plans to develop 20 lakes including those in Belandur, Puttenhalli, Kalkere, Kodigehalli, Uttarahalli, Yelahanka, Kaikondanahalli, Balayyana and Alasandra. A detailed project report worth Rs179 crore has been prepared and submitted to the central government for conservation of 17 lakes under JNNURM.