Bengaluru: 13 per cent forests lost, 8 crore seedlings to be planted

BENGALURU: Setting the tone for the World Environment Day celebrations on Sunday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized the need to protect the last remaining forests of the state, which has already lost 13 per cent of it. “We have to work together to protect the environment,” he said.

Minster for forest, ecology and environment, B Ramanath Rai said the the state would launch a Koti Vruksha Andolana from July 2 to 10 with the support of all departments. “This initiative is part of the state forest department's target of planting 8 crore seedlings across the state this year,” he added.

100 saplings in every ward
As part of the Karnataka government’s initiative 100 sapling were planted in each of the 198 wards of the city.

Respect nature: Governor
Governor Vajubhai Vala called for creating greater awareness among the people about the need for cleanliness and environmental protection. “We should all respect nature like our own mother," he said, addressing a seminar on pollution and its effects at the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases on Sunday.

City gets greener
Around a 1000 trees were planted at Mandur on Sunday as part of the World Environment Day celebration organised by the Karnataka Forest Department, Save Whitefield, Rotary IT Corridor and Force G.

Around a 100 trees were planted in the Krishna Rao Park in Basavanagudi, at the Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Aranya Bhavan and at the BNMIT Campus in Banashankari by former minister, R Ashok. Several children of the BCR public school in Chikkabeguru planted around a 100 saplings accompanied by their principal, S V Sundarajan. Students of the government
primary school in Puttenahalli also planted a large number of saplings.

Painting and poster competition
While a painting competition for school children was organised at the Visveswaraya Technological Museum on Kasturba Road, a similar poster competition on noise, air, food and water pollution and a plastic- free environment was held for 8-14 year olds at the Marigowda Memorial Hall in Lalbagh by the Vrukasha School of Fine Arts.

Yettinahole in focus
An exhibition of photographs focusing on the Yettinhole project was held by photographer, Sudhir Shetty at the Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath.

Cycle rally for a cause
A cycle rally was organised near BBMP park in Koramangala by the Bharath Scouts and Guides.

Blood donation
Saplings were given free of cost to blood donors by the Akhil Bhartiya Bhansali Samaj in Rajarajeshwari Nagara.