Bengaluru Minister Krishna Byre Gowda warned civic officials over poor tree survival tracking, demanding strict digital accountability for an upcoming 64,000-sapling planting drive.
BENGALURU
Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has issued a stern warning to civic authorities over lapses in tree plantation accounting and sapling survival rates. Chaired at the Greater Bengaluru Authority headquarters, the high-level review meeting focused on the forest department’s upcoming plantation drive, which aims to plant 64,000 saplings across the city this year.
During the session, the minister criticized officers for poor record-keeping regarding previously planted saplings, noting that lakhs of trees lacked clear accountability and proper tracking. Gowda firmly instructed officials that violations of planting guidelines will no longer be tolerated under any circumstances. Emphasizing his demand for results, the minister warned staff that he would not leave issues unaddressed or unresolved without ensuring complete systemic accountability.
To avoid past mistakes, the department has been directed to follow strict plantation standards, ensure regular watering, and maintain transparent digital records for every newly planted tree. The minister made it clear that civic staff must take direct responsibility for urban afforestation efforts to protect public funds and enhance the city’s green cover effectively.
With thousands of saplings set for planting under the new municipal plan, the state government aims to enforce strict oversight. Officials who fail to monitor survival rates or maintain accurate data risk facing serious disciplinary measures as the city steps up its environmental conservation drive.