Bengaluru – BJP Questions Upkeep of City’s Record Plantation Campaign
Bengaluru – The Karnataka BJP on Wednesday criticised the Congress-led state government over the “Green Bengaluru” plantation initiative, claiming that a large number of saplings planted during the campaign have since withered because of inadequate care.
The programme, estimated by the BJP to involve expenditure of around Rs 54 crore, was held in Bengaluru on June 27. It coincided with the 517th birth anniversary of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda, widely regarded as the founder of the city.
Record Plantation Drive Draws Attention
The plantation campaign was led by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and involved the planting of about 15 lakh saplings across Bengaluru within 12 hours. The event was presented as an effort to expand green cover and reduce the impact of rising temperatures in built-up areas.
The initiative also received recognition from Guinness World Records for the scale of the plantation effort. Government representatives had described the drive as an important step towards addressing the urban heat island effect, which can make densely developed parts of a city warmer than surrounding areas.
Opposition Shares Images of Dry Saplings
Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R. Ashoka released photographs that he said showed dried saplings at some locations. He alleged that the state government had concentrated on the launch event and publicity activities but had failed to ensure regular watering and post-plantation monitoring.
According to Ashoka, some saplings were placed near drainage areas and were not given sufficient protection or maintenance after the campaign. He said the condition of the plants raised questions about whether the project had been properly planned beyond the day of the record attempt.
The BJP leader also alleged that public funds had been spent on advertisements, media events and promotional material linked to the programme, while maintenance of the newly planted saplings had received inadequate attention.
Demand for Details on Maintenance Spending
Ashoka asked the government to provide details of the funds allocated for maintaining the saplings after planting. He also sought information about the agencies or contractors assigned to care for the plants and called for responsibility to be fixed if lapses were found.
The BJP said the issue was not limited to a plantation campaign, arguing that the handling of such a project could reflect on the government’s ability to supervise larger development works. The party questioned whether similar gaps in planning and follow-up could affect infrastructure projects in the state.
Congress Leadership Also Targeted
In his criticism, Ashoka referred to the Congress party’s public position on environmental protection and governance. He alleged that the state administration’s handling of the plantation programme did not match those stated commitments.
The BJP has urged the government to conduct a review of the project, assess the survival rate of the saplings and make the findings public. It has also called for corrective measures, including regular watering, protective fencing and monitoring in areas where plants are still viable.
Government Response Awaited
The Karnataka government had not issued a public response to the allegations at the time of reporting. It was also not immediately clear whether officials had carried out a formal inspection of the sites highlighted by the opposition.
The plantation campaign remains one of the largest urban greening exercises undertaken in Bengaluru in recent years. Its long-term impact will depend on whether the saplings survive and develop into sustained green cover across the city.