Bangalore Development Authority defends drive to plant 15 lakh saplings, announces scientific monitoring
The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) on Wednesday defended its ambitious 15 lakh native sapling plantation drive amid reports that several newly planted saplings were withering
The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) on Wednesday defended its ambitious 15 lakh native sapling plantation drive amid reports that several newly planted saplings were withering owing to inadequate maintenance. The authority stressed that it was too early to judge the success of the initiative, adding that newly transplanted saplings naturally undergo stress before establishing themselves. In a statement, the BDA said that the plantation drive, spread across 198.31 acres at 279 sites in three major layouts, is among the largest urban afforestation initiatives undertaken in Bengaluru. The project was carried out with the participation of multiple non-government organisations (NGOs), institutions, volunteers, and citizens. Addressing concerns over the condition of the saplings, the authority said a scientific assessment of survival cannot be made within days of planting, as saplings often experience transportation stress, transplant shock, and climatic adjustment.
It noted that many species shed their leaves temporarily, particularly in the absence of adequate rainfall, before recovering with regular watering and care. Listing the actions taken, the BDA said it has completed a field assessment of all plantation sites and categorised them for scientific monitoring and targeted intervention. Distressed sites have been identified and are receiving priority attention through intensified maintenance measures. To strengthen long-term maintenance, the authority said around 40 borewells are being established across the three layouts, with sprinkler irrigation systems to ensure regular watering during dry spells. Partner NGOs have been directed to complete permanent irrigation infrastructure within 15 days. Until then, water tankers are being deployed wherever necessary, while the authority is also exploring the use of treated water supplied by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).
The authority said saplings showing signs of transplant stress would be monitored for a month before being declared dead. Those that fail to recover after the observation period will be replaced by the respective NGOs. Additional measures, including mulching with paddy straw, installation of support stakes, and application of nutrients after the establishment period, are also being implemented to improve survival rates. The BDA further announced that NGOs involved in the project will be evaluated after three months based on survival percentage, quality of maintenance, and overall upkeep. Organisations failing to meet prescribed standards could face termination of their MoU, with plantation sites reassigned to better-performing agencies. To improve transparency, the authority said every plantation site will be geo-fenced, monitored through drone surveys and supported with weekly GPS-enabled photographs uploaded to the BDA website.
The BriefWire