Launch of ‘From Saplings to a Sanctuary’ initiative, Scope for Urban Forests around Bengaluru: M. B. Patil

Bengaluru Express
Bengaluru, Oct 19: With rapid urbanisation and industrialisation, Bengaluru’s famed identity as the ‘Garden City’ has gradually diminished. However, there remains vast potential to create urban forests in and around the city, Large and Medium Industries Minister M. B. Patil observed on Friday, expressing the wish that in the coming days, “Our Bengaluru should become a Green Bengaluru.”

The Minister was speaking at the launch of ‘From Saplings to a Sanctuary’, an initiative to plant to one lakh saplings, organised by the Brigade Foundation at KIADB Aerospace Park–2 in Haraluru near Devanahalli,.

Mr Patil stressed the need to strike a balance between agriculture and industry, both of which are vital for human sustenance and progress. “Neither can be neglected or opposed. It is therefore essential to adopt the Miyawaki forest model to nurture and strengthen our environment,” he said.

Recalling his home district Vijayapura, the Minister said that the region had an abysmal forest cover of just 0.17 per cent a decade ago. “Today, through dedicated local efforts, over 1.5 crore saplings have been planted. Near Mamadapura, close to the district headquarters, a forest has been developed using solar power and drip irrigation, resulting in two lush green hills. The Forest Department has adopted this as a model and set a target of planting five crore saplings every year across the State. The initiative has attracted visitors from across India and abroad, and The New York Times even carried a detailed feature on it,” he noted.

Speaking about his recent visit to London, Mr Patil said he was impressed by the practices followed at Kew Gardens. “Though it is almost the same size as our Lalbagh, the methods adopted there are remarkable. I have already briefed the Chief Secretary, Dr Shalini Rajneesh, about these models, which can be effectively implemented here,” he added. Quoting environmentalist Robert Swan, he reminded the gathering that “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.”

He further commended the Brigade Group for developing a Miyawaki forest in Whitefield. “The fact that 1.5 crore saplings have been planted in a single district like Vijayapura shows the enormous scope for greening efforts across the State. In Vijayapura, farmers are provided with saplings of their choice, and the annual ‘Vrukshathon’ event draws enthusiastic participation from nearly 15,000 people,” Mr Patil said.

Minister K. H. Muniappa, in his address, lauded Mr Patil’s achievements, stating, “Through his determined efforts, Minister M. B. Patil has shown what can be accomplished with strong willpower. His initiatives have transformed Vijayapura into a land of greenery and water conservation. As Industries Minister too, he continues to work with great foresight.”

The event was attended by M. R. Jaishankar, Trustee of Brigade Group; Shivayogi Kalasad, CEO of Brigade Foundation; V. Shanthakumar, Chairman of the Airport Area Authority; retired police officer Megharik; Devaraju, President of Haraluru Gram Panchayat; and several others.