BDA greening drive shows results

The efforts of the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) in restoring greenery at Srigandhakaval appears to be bearing fruits.

Two years ago, the BDA had planted as many as 5,000 sandalwood saplings in the area so that Srigandhakaval lived up to its name.

“There were no sandalwood trees in the Srigandhakaval area. So we decided to plant sandalwood. We have created five plantations with 49 species. All this was done at the cost of Rs 1.10 crore This has improved the biodiversity of the region,” BDA Assistant Conservator of Forests B Jairam said. 

He was speaking to presspersons during a visit to these sites on Friday.

The BDA has launched the greening drive ‘Hasiru Maale’ with the aim to plant one crore saplings in 10 years. 

In the last two years, the BDA has planted 35,000 saplings in Beggars’ Colony on Magadi Road, 9,000 around Jakkur lake, 46,500 saplings at Jalahalli Airforce station, 1,000 saplings along Outer Ring Road from Central Silk Board Junction to Nayanadahalli and 18,000 saplings at Sir MV Layout. 

Though the sandalwood plantation is maintained by local residents, the BDA has requested the government to erect a fence around the area to protect the precious trees.