Mega-park plan gets funding boost from Bengaluru's civic body
Bengaluru: The forest department's move to create large lung spaces for fast-expanding Bengaluru received a boost Tuesday, with DK Shivakumar promising enough funds for the project.
"We already have Cubbon Park and Lalbagh in the city. If the forest department is keen on developing forest areas within Bengaluru, I have already told the forest minister that funds will be made available from BBMP. Once these forest areas are developed into mega tree parks, they will not only benefit the public but also save forest lands from encroachment," Shivakumar said.
Last week, the forest department took possession of 153 acres of reserve forest in Madappanahalli near Yelahanka and planned to convert that into a mega park for bustling north Bengaluru.
Over the last two centuries since the creation of Lalbagh and Cubbon Park, Bengaluru hasn't had any other mega park.
The DCM said mandatory directions have been given to schools and colleges to set up eco-clubs to create awareness on climate change. "Each club must have at least 25 students and select a location near schools to plant trees," he told students at the Environment Day event.
Chief minister Siddaramaiah said destroying nature is nothing but destroying ourselves. "If we protect biodiversity in Western Ghats, it will protect us," he told students.
Reiterating the message, My Life My Tree, Siddaramaiah urged children to plant more trees in the coming days.
— Raksha R
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