BBMP to make tree planting mandatory for house owners

BBMP to make tree planting mandatory for house owners

Staff Reporter
Civic body raising six lakh saplings to sell at cost price
Sites under 2,400 sq ft should have at least

two trees

Open land should have a minimum of 25 trees

an hectare

Bangalore: While world leaders are busy discussing ways to combat climate change, the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is thinking of a move to make it mandatory for residents to plant at least two saplings on their sites.

N.L. Shantakumar, Conservator of Forests, BBMP, told The Hindu that the civic authority would first begin by appealing to the citizens to plant saplings on their sites and vacant lands.

New plans
“Later, we may make it mandatory. We will see to it that it is implemented, along with rainwater harvesting, while sanctioning new plans,” he said.

The growth of the city has paved the way for concrete structures to come up, thereby reducing greenery.

There is an urgency to resurrect and preserve the city’s environment before it is too late.

Mr. Shantakumar said that as per Section 7(c) of the Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act 1976, it was mandatory for house sites measuring 222 sq m/2,400 sq ft to have at least two trees, those above 222 sq m/2,400 sq ft but less than 892 sq m/9,900 sq ft three trees and those above 892 sq m/9,900 sq ft four trees.

He said that vacant lands, including those under the control of industries and institutions, should have a minimum of 25 trees per hectare.

Greenery
He said that the BBMP was appealing to the citizens in an attempt to restore greenery and ensure that the city did not lose its Garden City tag.

The BBMP was appealing to people to plant small canopy trees of indigenous varieties, including curry leaves, gooseberries, drumstick, custard apple, ramphal (a variety of custard apple), honge, besides flowering trees such as tabebuia, tecoma, legastromea and bauhinia.

Space
“These trees do not occupy much space. However, residents may also plant palm trees, sapota, guava and mango trees if they have the space,” he added.

Mr. Shantakumar said the BBMP was raising six lakh saplings of different varieties which it would sell at cost price. Those interested may approach the BBMP’s zonal offices for the saplings.