BENGALURU: Following the split of BBMP, the Green Bengaluru programme initiated by Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, who also holds the Bengaluru Development portfolio, will be implemented by the five new corporations under the GBA.
In the 2025 budget, a target of planting 5 lakh saplings was set. As of now, 84,100 saplings have been planted. However, which corporation will plant the largest number of saplings in their respective limits is yet to be decided. Sources said that, depending on the availability of space and requisition, the numbers will be split. The budget allocation for the forest cell of the then BBMP was Rs 51.69 crore.
According to an official, 8.1 lakh saplings have been planted across the city since 2021 to help it maintain its Garden City reputation. A total of 19,313 trees were axed for development in this period.
The current phase assigns planting responsibilities to the newly formed corporations. As of this phase, 4,15,900 saplings still need to be planted. After assessing area availability, the need, and demand, each corporation’s share will be determined, and they will be authorised to float tenders and issue work orders.
According to an informed source, the Tree Committee, which was established following a High Court directive to give permission for tree cutting for development projects and others, will remain a centralised one. The committee will continue to look into the petition for tree cutting if it involves felling of 50-plus trees for a development project.
Meanwhile, GBA’s Forest Cell has sent a proposal to the state forest department seeking more staff for the five corporations. At present, including the Deputy Conservator of Forest in GBA, there are 17 staffers, while the required strength is 55.