A green initiative of a PSU in KGF

It is rare to see avenues of trees and lush greenery in a district which is perennially affected by drought and water crisis.

Despite this major handicap, union public sector undertaking, Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) has made all efforts to add greenery in its surrounding in KGF.

BEML has been evincing keen interest in the afforestation programme in and around BEML factory, township and surrounding areas. Due to concerted efforts of BEML Management, over two hundred thousand trees have come-up in and around KGF and the area is quite green.

Norms laid down by the water and air pollution control board have been fully complied with. All the effluents and discharges are released to the oxidation ponds and recycling arrangements have been carried out on regular basis.

Soon after passing Bangarpet, when you enter the main arch near M Visvesvaraya statue, one gets a new experience. It is like leaving behind a desert and reaching an oasis. The trees on either side of the double road create a cool ambience for those driving, riding or walking along this road.

In the process of planting saplings and increasing the green cover, BEML has also recycles used plastic drums. They have been used as tree guards. These innovative tree guards prevent cattle from eating the saplings.

This protective measure has helped in the healthy growth of trees. Different species of trees have been planted to an extent of four kilometres along the road. This has received public praise and approval. Some of the tree species planted include honge (avenue tree used in making biofuel), Jacaranda, blue flowers, mahogany, peepul, soapnut, gulmohar, tamarind, blue berry, Singapore cherry, Basavana pada (Bahunia parpuria pink and white mix flowers),  fig, banyan, jackfruit, bay leaves among others.

The trees include shade trees, oxygen generating trees, flowering and fruit trees and trees which bear food for animals and birds. From Five Lights Circle to First Grade College Ashoka trees have been planted.

The trees have been planted 30 ft away from the border of the road, so that the trees are not affected in case of any civic works. The corporate social responsibility demonstrated by BEML has been appreciated by the public.