The Hindu : Karnataka News : Novel project to increase greenery

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Jun 16, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka

Novel project to increase greenery

Special Correspondent

BANGALORE: Parisara, a non-governmental organisation, will launch a novel project called `Spoorthi Vana' to promote the planting and nurturing of trees in and around the catchment area of Thippagondahalli reservoir, one of the sources of water supply to Bangalore city.

Addressing presspersons here on Tuesday, the Additional Chief Secretary, V.K. Gore, said that under the `Spoorthi Vana' programme, the NGO would plant and grow trees on 300 acres of land belonging to the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). About 50 seedlings would be planted on an acre and the local community would participate in the programme. The project would be officially launched on June 18 at T.G. Halli area.

The T.G. Halli reservoir, which was supplying water to the entire Bangalore city till 1974, is now catering to only 15 per cent of the demand. The remaining supply is being met from the Cauvery.

`Green gift'

Mr. Gore said the citizens of Bangalore or any other part of the State could celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, marriage anniversaries, housewarming, and children's good performance in schools and college examinations by presenting them with a "green gift."

"One can celebrate any joyous occasion and make it very memorable by contributing money towards planting seedlings and growing trees," Mr. Gore said.

Under the scheme, one has to pay Rs. 500 per tree. The money would be utilised to plant a seedling, to rear, and to protect the tree till it becomes self-sustaining. Every tree would be uniquely numbered and a certificate, with all details, would be issued to the person. The seedling or tree, which would be grown in `Spoorthi Vana,' would belong to the Government and protected under the law.

Infrastructure

Besides, the people could also adopt a block in the area and contribute money towards creating the basic infrastructure of fencing, digging, providing security, water and signboards. The blocks adopted would be named after the donors, he said.

The NGO and the Government formed a committee to oversee the implementation of the project.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka