Vrukshathon 2025 on December 7 in Vijayapura, Over15K enthusiasts to Join

Koti Vruksha Abhiyana: Green Cover Rises from 0.17% to 2.4%

Bengaluru Express Bengaluru, Nov 11: Under the Koti Vruksha Abhiyana spearheaded by District In-charge Minister M. B. Patil in Vijayapura, over 1.5 crore saplings have been planted in the past nine years. By 2030, an additional 3.5 crore saplings will be planted, taking the total to five crore, he announced on Monday.

Speaking at a press conference at Vidhana Soudha after releasing the poster, T-shirt, and medal for Vrukshathon 2025, the Minister highlighted the remarkable progress achieved through the initiative.

Back in 2016, the district had a mere 0.17% forest cover. That year, the Koti Vruksha Abhiyana was launched by the district administration, in collaboration with several organisations and the B.L.D.E. Association, on a non-partisan basis. As a result, the green cover has now expanded to 2.4%. Vijayapura has also secured the third position in the country for air quality. The groundwater level has improved, soil fertility has increased, and reforestation efforts have gained momentum. Additionally, the average temperature has dropped by 0.5°C, while annual rainfall has risen from 550 mm to about 650 mm, he explained.

Through the Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam, ten lakh saplings were distributed each year for the first five years under the CSR fund. Farmers received saplings of their choice free of cost. A special government grant was also secured in 2016 to support the programme. The initiative will continue over the next 5–10 years, with the aim of achieving the five-crore planting target availing such facilities. The number of rainy days in the district has also increased from 20–30 to nearly 40 days a year, he added.

The Koti Vruksha Abhiyana has played a major role in enhancing biodiversity in Vijayapura, with over 180 species of trees planted so far. These saplings are maintained using drip irrigation and solar-powered water systems. Around one lakh saplings have been planted around Bhuthanala lake, which supplies water to Vijayapura city. Similarly, a green belt has been developed around the Mamadapura lake area, where 1.27 lakh saplings have been planted across 1,600 acres, with another 20,000 to be added soon. Minister Patil noted that this initiative has become a model for other districts to emulate.

Several innovative practices have been introduced under the Koti Vruksha Abhiyana — including planting a sapling on one’s birthday, Vruksha Bandhan on Raksha Bandhan, the April Cool campaign, and presenting saplings as gifts at social functions. Campaign coordinator Murugesh Pattana Shetty and office-bearers Veerendra Guchchatti, Dr Raju Yalagonde, Somu Math Guruji, and Nandeesh Hundekar were present on the occasion.

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Vrukshathon 2025 on December 7

The Vrukshathon 2025 run will be held on Sunday, December 7, at Vijayapura district headquarters, with over 15,000 participants expected to take part. Students, police personnel, army staff, members of the Vijayapura Cycling Group, the Forest Department, and more than 50 organisations will actively participate. A total prize amount of ₹10 lakh has been announced. The event features 5 km, 10 km, and 21 km runs, open to participants of all age groups. Interested individuals can register at www.vrukhothon.co.in, informed Minister Patil.

This year’s Vrukshathon route has been designed to cover Vijayapura’s prominent heritage landmarks, including Gol Gumbaz, Gagan Mahal, Sundarreshwara Temple, Sainik School, Narasimha Swamy Temple, Siddheshwara Temple, Ibrahim Roza, and Bara Kaman, he added.

“Run for a Clean, Beautiful, and Green Vijayapura” is the theme of this year’s Vrukshothon Heritage Run, the Minister said.