Bengaluru's community plantation drive stumbles as most proposed sites fail scrutiny

The Greater Bengaluru Authority's (GBA) ambitious plan to plant 64,000 saplings with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) has encountered a significant hurdle. Field verification by civic corporations has deemed only 67 of the 394 applications received as feasible, according to official data.

The drive, launched under the Bengaluru Hasiruru banner, drew substantial public interest, with corporations receiving requests for 54,623 saplings. However, scrutiny revealed that 14,846 saplings were sought for areas outside the GBA's jurisdiction. Of the remaining applications, only 67—covering 5,530 saplings—met all prescribed criteria, including minimum area dimensions, sapling counts, and species specifications.

A GBA source noted that while RWAs showed enthusiasm, many proposed locations had narrow lanes, concreted surroundings, or drain-line obstructions. "We are already witnessing hundreds of tree falls, and this year alone over 1,000 trees were uprooted despite a weak monsoon. We are being specific about locations and dimensions to ensure these trees do not make streets unsafe," the officer explained.

Individual citizens, however, demonstrated notable interest, collectively seeking 3,265 saplings—a sign of growing public engagement with urban greening efforts.

Civic bodies to step in

Bengaluru's civic bodies are mandated to plant one lakh saplings annually. Following criticism from Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda that the exercise remained largely on paper, the citizen-participation model was introduced. With applications falling short, a GBA official said corporations have now been tasked with identifying suitable locations for this year's quota.

"The civic bodies have been identifying places near lakes and along wider roads. Plantation will now be taken up at the corporation level, and the responsibility for maintenance will also rest with them," the official said.

Citizen role in maintenance

Another official stressed that citizen involvement remains vital for preserving green cover. The collaborative model announced by the Minister was seen as effective for ensuring tree maintenance, though there are currently no plans to reopen registrations. "It will be better if the maintenance of saplings is given to citizens because accountability and transparency will be higher. There will be collective opposition even if someone wants to axe a tree. Such a model will curb the illegal felling of trees in the future to a great extent," he said.