Bangalore Development Authority eyes Guinness Record with 15 lakh saplings on June 5

Bengaluru: The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has set its sights on a Guinness World Record by planting 15 lakh native saplings on World Environment Day on June 5.

It has initiated talks with multinational companies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and educational institutions for collaboration.

Speaking to DH, BDA Chairman NA Haris said the exercise could go on for 10 days, but the lion’s share of the saplings would be planted on June 5.

"We are looking to mobilise anywhere between 50,000 and 80,000 volunteers," he said, adding that invites have been sent to schools, colleges, NGOs and volunteers.

"The saplings will not just be planted in the layouts developed by the BDA, but other areas will be covered as well," he said.

Haris said the BDA would bear a significant chunk of the cost. "We are also talking to companies for support under corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds. The process of procuring saplings is underway."

Officials said the idea of planting saplings in large numbers was mooted in the context of rising temperatures and the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect being experienced across Bengaluru.