CH NEWS
BENGALURU
The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has defended its ambitious 15 Lakh Native Saplings Initiative, stating that reports claiming widespread failure of the plantation drive are premature and fail to consider the scientific realities of transplanting young saplings. The authority reiterated its commitment to ensuring the long-term success of the project through continuous monitoring, irrigation and maintenance.
The plantation drive, one of the largest urban greening initiatives undertaken in Bengaluru, covered 279 plantation sites spread across 198.31 acres in three major BDA layouts. It was carried out with the participation of several non-governmental organisations, institutions, volunteers and citizens.
Responding to concerns that saplings were drying up due to poor maintenance, BDA clarified that newly transplanted saplings often experience transportation stress, transplant shock and climatic adjustment. In the absence of adequate monsoon rainfall, many species naturally shed their leaves before recovering once regular watering begins.
The authority said it is scientifically inaccurate to assess the success or failure of such a large plantation exercise within days of planting. Even professionally managed plantations witness a certain degree of mortality during the first year, while the actual survival rate can only be determined after several weeks of sustained care.
According to BDA, maintenance activities began immediately after planting, with partner NGOs undertaking continuous monitoring across all plantation sites. Field assessments have already been completed at all 279 locations, enabling officials to categorise sites based on the level of intervention required.
Areas identified as needing immediate attention are receiving intensive maintenance to improve sapling survival. Permanent irrigation infrastructure is also being developed across the plantation zones to reduce dependence on rainfall.
As part of the initiative, around 40 borewells are being established across the three layouts. Sprinkler irrigation systems connected to these borewells will ensure regular watering during dry spells. Partner NGOs have been instructed to complete the permanent irrigation network within the next 15 days.
Until the systems become operational, water is being supplied through tankers wherever required. BDA is also exploring the use of treated water supplied by the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) as a sustainable source for irrigation.
The authority said saplings that have shed leaves due to transplant stress should not be declared dead immediately. Every plantation site will be watered and monitored continuously for a month before mortality is assessed. Only saplings that fail to recover after this observation period will be replaced, reaffirming BDA’s commitment to achieving the objectives of Bengaluru’s largest native plantation campaign.