The Bengaluru Urban district administration is planning to launch a massive tree plantation drive from June to keep the green cover in the reclaimed government land.
The district administration has, so far, reclaimed 5,211 acres of government land spread in four taluks - Anekal, Bengaluru North, South and East.
The idea mooted by LC Nagaraj, assistant commissioner (Bengaluru South) hopes to involve a large number of not-for-profit organisations and educational institutions besides Forest department to take up the biggest plantation drive in an encroached government land.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Nagaraj said that he would be launching the drive in his sub-division, which includes Anekal and Bengaluru South taluks, from June 1. Variety of plants
The district administration is planning to approach the Forest department to provide fruit and flower bearing plant varieties. There are also plans to procure variety of flower and fruit bearing plants from across the country.
“We will request not-for-profit organisations to supply saplings as the Forest department alone may not be able to deliver one lakh saplings.’’ Besides maintaining a green cover, the plantation will help in preventing soil erosion and encroachment. At least, 40 trees will be planted per acre, he said.
Instead of planting ornamental trees the administration has decided to plant flower and fruit bearing trees so that it would help the fauna apart from being useful to the general public.
Comprehensive report
Bengaluru Urban district deputy commissioner V Shankar and Nagaraj have prepared a comprehensive report on development of the encroached land estimated to be at least Rs 1 lakh crore at current market price.
The report suggested that reclaimed land can be used for various public utilities like office spaces, hospitals, quarters and houses for government employees, housing for the poor, shopping complexes, parking lots, crematoriums, parks, playgrounds and theme parks. Water bodies will remain intact and there will be no buildings.
Will enhance beauty
“Trees will be planted in such way that proposed development plan is not affected. Instead, the green top will enhance the beauty besides providing shade,’’ Nagaraj said.