Record-Breaking Plantation Drive in Bengaluru
Bengaluru witnessed its largest-ever plantation drive on June 27, 2026, with 50,000 volunteers planting 15 lakh saplings across the city in a single day. The event, organized by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) in collaboration with various civic bodies and environmental groups, aimed to enhance the city's green cover and mitigate the effects of urban heat and air pollution.
Massive Volunteer Participation
Volunteers from schools, colleges, corporate houses, and resident welfare associations participated in the drive. The BDA had set a target of planting 15 lakh saplings at 1,000 locations, including parks, roadsides, lake beds, and vacant government lands. According to BDA Commissioner N. S. Ramesh, "The response was overwhelming. We saw families, students, and professionals come together to make this a success."
Species Selection and Survival Rate
The saplings included native species such as neem, peepal, banyan, and tamarind, chosen for their adaptability to local climate and high survival rates. The BDA has implemented a five-year maintenance plan with watering and protection measures, targeting a survival rate of over 85%. Previous plantation drives in the city have faced challenges with survival due to neglect and vandalism.
Impact on Bengaluru's Environment
Bengaluru, once known as the Garden City, has seen a significant decline in green cover due to rapid urbanization. A 2024 study by the Indian Institute of Science showed that the city's green cover dropped to 14% from 68% in the 1970s. The plantation drive is part of a larger initiative to increase green cover to 25% by 2030. Environmentalists have welcomed the effort but stressed the need for continuous monitoring. Dr. Sunita Narain, director of the Centre for Science and Environment, said, "Large-scale plantations are crucial, but they must be complemented with protection of existing forests and water bodies."
Government Support and Future Plans
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai inaugurated the drive and planted a sapling at Lalbagh Botanical Garden. He announced a budget of ₹50 crore for urban greening projects in the current fiscal year. The BDA plans to conduct similar drives every monsoon season and involve local communities in maintenance. The event also saw the launch of a mobile app for tracking sapling growth and reporting issues.
