Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has unveiled a major environmental initiative, setting a target for his government to plant between three to five crore saplings every year across the state. The announcement was made on Sunday, emphasizing a critical push to expand the region's dwindling green cover.
Aiming for the 30% Forest Cover Benchmark
The Chief Minister pointed out a significant gap in the state's ecological health. He stated that while any given region should ideally have a forest cover of at least 30%, in Karnataka's regions, it stands at only about 20%. The government is now committed to taking up all necessary efforts to bridge this gap through large-scale plantation drives.
Siddaramaiah made these remarks after inaugurating the 23rd edition of Chitra Santhe, an art fair which this year carries the theme of 'environmental challenges'. He used the platform to call for collective public action alongside government efforts.
Following the Legacy of Saalumarada Thimmakka
In his address, the CM urged citizens to draw inspiration from the legendary environmentalist Saalumarada Thimmakka. He highlighted her lifelong dedication to planting and nurturing rows of trees as if they were her own children, an effort for which she was honored with the Padma Shri and numerous other awards. "We can all pay homage to her by planting more trees," Siddaramaiah said, presenting her as a model for community-led conservation.
He stressed that the act of planting trees requires more willpower than financial resources. "The government will take greater interest in this direction. If we protect the environment, it will protect us; hence, knowledge about the environment is essential," he affirmed. The state administration has already organized several programs to promote environmental awareness and action.
Addressing the Urban Pollution Crisis
The Chief Minister also addressed the growing concern of environmental pollution, particularly in urban centers. He noted that environmental pollution has increased in Bengaluru and many other state capitals, creating serious public health challenges. Drawing a stark example, he mentioned that in Delhi, the situation has escalated to create an "unliveable atmosphere."
Underlining the urgency of the matter, Siddaramaiah declared that environmental protection is no longer just an ideal but an absolute necessity in today's world. The ambitious annual sapling plantation target is a direct response to this pressing need, aiming to secure a greener, healthier future for Karnataka.
