India's biggest urban forest in city
© Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. 2000.
Saturday 24 June 2000
Allen J. Mendonca
BANGALORE: India's biggest urban forest is being carefully nurtured on 400 acres of prime land belonging to the Army Supply Corps (ASC) in the heart of Bangalore. When the saplings begin to mature into trees within the next two to three years, the forest will act as a huge carbon sink cleansing the polluted city.
Bangalore, located 3,000 feet above sea level, was once a Garden City with tanks, lakes and vast green spaces. But the urban sprawl of recent years and the ever-burgeoning population has made it one of the most polluted cities in the country.
It is to halt this destructive march that Eco-Watch, promoted by Green activist and filmmaker Suresh Heblikar, former deputy conservator of forests S.V. Pandit and like-minded individuals, have been petitioning the government and the courts to save what is left of the water bodies, parks and forests.
Three months ago, the ASC's Commanding Officer Lt. Colonel Lalit Kumar Bhatia agreed to Eco-Watch's proposal to afforest its sprawling campus. ``It was an answer to our prayers. We met Chief Minister S.M. Krishna and asked him to help in our efforts.''
The Bangalore Agenda Task Force lent a helping hand. Thousands of pits have been dug to plant 1.8 lakh saplings, including favourites as the Gul Mohur, Jacaranda, Sampige, Honge, Mahogany and Flame of the Forest. Environment Secretary V. Umesh and Director M.H. Balakrishnaiah have been supporting the project.
``In the first phase, we will plant native forest species, flowering and fruit-bearing trees. In the second phase, saplings of different species from all over the state will be planted to act as a mini-germplasm bank. Water bodies in the area will be developed to attract birds and animals.''
Eco-Watch requires funding for this ambitious project and hopes the city's socially-aware corporates will chip in.
Eco-Watch has a special committee of resource persons to guide its efforts. These include Labour Commissioner Lukose Vallatharai, former Chief Justice D.M. Chandrashekar and IIM-B's T Somashekar Reddy.
``It would be wonderful if people came forward to help us in the digging of the pits, the planting of saplings and the overall raising of this forest,'' says Heblikar.
Bangalore does possess a few green spaces like the Cubbon Park, Lal Bagh and the Palace Grounds. ``This will not be a park, but a wild forest, in which trees, shrubs, creepers and even weeds will be allowed to grow undisturbed,'' says Heblikar.
``Which other City possesses the land to grow such a forest and the wherewithal to make it possible ?'' asks Heblikar.
True indeed. Especially when you consider that Pandit, one of the prime movers, who is 78 years old is there at the ASC every morning taking a personal interest in the upkeep of the saplings.
If you wish to participate in this effort or help financially call Heblikar on 6655070 and Pandit on 5296149. E-mail : ecowatch22@yahoo.com