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Karnataka News Updated Jun 26, 2026

Karnataka CM Launches Mega Plantation Drive: 15 Lakh Saplings in Bengaluru

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced a mega plantation drive to plant 15 lakh native saplings across Bengaluru to restore the city's green cover. The initiative aims to create greener neighbourhoods, enhance biodiversity, and improve air quality. Shivakumar also inaugurated 33 new spillway gates of the Tungabhadra Dam with Union Minister C R Paatil and other state chief ministers. The dam project was completed through joint efforts to strengthen water security and safeguard farmers' interests.

Karnataka announces Mega Plantation drive: 15 Lakh Saplings to be Planted in Bengaluru tomorrow

Bengaluru, June 26

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday announced that the state government will restore Bengaluru's green cover by planting 15 lakh native plants across the city tomorrow.

In a post on X, Shivakumar said the initiative aims to create greener neighbourhoods, enhance biodiversity, improve air quality and build a more climate-resilient city.

Highlighting the long-term impact of the drive, he said the plants would provide shade, support ecosystems and benefit future generations.

"Tomorrow, we take a significant step towards restoring the city's green cover by planting 15 lakh native plants across Bengaluru. This landmark initiative will help create greener neighbourhoods, enhance biodiversity, improve air quality and build a more climate-resilient city," he wrote.

He further said, "While the saplings will be planted in a single day, their impact will be felt for decades to come, providing shade, supporting ecosystems and enriching the lives of future generations. Together, we are laying the foundation for a greener, healthier and more sustainable Bengaluru."

Meanwhile, Shivakumar also inaugurated the newly installed 33 spillway gates of the Tungabhadra Dam in the presence of Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.

Emphasising the project, he said it was completed through the joint efforts of the Water Resources Department and the Tungabhadra Board, marking an important step towards strengthening water security and safeguarding farmers' interests.

He added that the decision to replace the 33 gates was taken collectively, calling it a moment of relief for farmers across the three states.

Shivakumar also noted that discussions were held under the leadership of CR Paatil, where chief ministers of the three states deliberated on farmer welfare and water conservation, including proposals related to the Navali parallel reservoir and desilting measures, eventually reaching a consensus.

— ANI

Reader Comments

Priya S

A wonderful initiative, but I worry about accountability. We've seen such drives before where saplings are planted with great fanfare and then forgotten. The real work begins AFTER planting - watering, protection from goats and cattle, and replacing those that die. Hope the BBMP and local RWAs collaborate properly. Still, it's a positive step. 👏

Arjun K

Finally some good work from the govt! 🌱 But DK Shivakumar needs to focus on fixing the potholes and drainage too - what's the use of planting trees if the roads are broken and waterlogging happens every monsoon? At least this is a step in right direction for climate resilience.

Michael C

As someone living in Whitefield, I appreciate this. The summer heat has become unbearable with all the concrete. But I have a question - 15 lakh saplings in a single day? That's a logistical nightmare. Are they actually involving citizens and NGOs, or is this just a photo-op? Genuinely hope the execution matches the ambition.

Neha E

This is really good news for Bangalore! 😊 The green cover has been reducing drastically. I only wish they had done this along with the metro construction - could have planted trees along the corridors. Also, please ensure these are fruit-bearing trees so birds and animals can benefit too. Kudos to the team if this works out!

Suresh O

A classic case of 'ek din ka tamasha' - one day spectacle. 🙄 They plant saplings tomorrow with great media coverage, then by next month nobody remembers. I want to see a plan for the next 5 years

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