Two lakh saplings to be planted this year under Hasiru Rakshaka: DCM

*Bengaluru, June 15: Deputy Chief Minister  D K Shivakumar on Friday said that two lakh more saplings will be planted in Bengaluru by school students this year as part of the ‘Hasiru Rakshaka’ programme.

Speaking to reporters at the World Environment Day 2024 event, organised under the Brand Bengaluru initiative, at Cubbon Park, he said, “School students have already planted 52,000 saplings as part of the Hasiru Rakshaka (saviour of greenery) programme till now. We will tie up with more schools and ensure that two lakh saplings are planted this year.”

“Our existence is dependent on the green cover. Pants are tomorrow’s trees. Trees ensure rain and we need water to survive. I am delighted that you are part of this environmental conservation activity,” he added.

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“Nadaprabhu Kempe Gowda had no inkling that Bengaluru would grow so big. Bengaluru is growing rapidly on all fronts. Our ancestors ensured green cover in Bengaluru and it is our responsibility to continue the legacy. Hence we have launched the Hasiru Rakshaka programme.”

“Bengaluru’s temperatures rarely used to cross 28 degrees but now it has crossed 36 degrees. Our government has set aside Rs 310 crore for greening Bengaluru city under various departments. The 15th Finance Commission has also allocated Rs 100 crores for environment conservation in Bengaluru. School students should plant and nurture saplings with all the care so that our future is secure,” he said.

“About 200 taluks faced severe drought due to lack of rains in the State. Bengaluru too went through water shortage. Programmes like Hasiru Rakshaka will ensure that such droughts don’t occur in the future,” he said.

“I had given instruction that this programme must be conducted by the school kids, but the officials must have forgotten that. Students are a lot more articulate than elders these days,” he said.

“There was a wedding in the family of well known industrialist Khoday long back. They gave a chocolate along with the thambula. When I asked why chocolates are being given when many guests don’t eat chocolates, he said adults give the chocolates to kids and we get their blessings when the kids are happy. Children are divine,” he recalled.

MLA Rizwan Arshad, former MLA Hasanabba, BBMP Administrator Umashankar, BBMP Commissioner Tushar Girinath, BMRDA Commissioner Rajendra Cholan and others were present on the occasion.

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