GBA urges large participation for ‘Bengaluru Hasiruru’ campaign

M. Maheshwar Rao, Chief Commissioner of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), on Saturday urged citizens and Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs) to actively participate in the ‘Bengaluru Hasiruru’ campaign and help transform it into a people’s movement.

Mr. Rao said that with less than two weeks left for the launch of the campaign, citizens have already sought to plant more than 43,000 saplings. The plantation drive, scheduled to begin on August 15 across the GBA limits, aims to plant 60,000 saplings while distributing another 40,000 to residents.

Mr. Rao directed officials to inspect the proposed locations, assess their suitability, and finalise the sites for plantation. He also urged RWAs and residents with space to plant at least 30 saplings in layouts, streets, or public spaces to submit their applications at the earliest. Officials have been asked to prepare a comprehensive list of sapling requirements from RWAs across all city corporations to streamline distribution and plantation.

Emphasising that planting alone would not ensure success, the Chief Commissioner instructed officials to organise meetings with RWAs in every city corporation to train residents on proper plantation and maintenance practices. Mr. Rao further instructed officials to expedite the tender process for plantation works, issue work orders without delay, and complete all preparatory arrangements before the campaign begins.

Residents and RWAs intending to plant at least 30 saplings can submit applications online or by email before August 10. Based on site inspections by the Forest Department, the respective city corporations will undertake the plantation.