Bengaluru: It was a clean-up and plogging special for #IamBengaluru – Volunteer for Parks on Saturday, as volunteers across the city marked World Cleanup Day weekend by stepping out to care for Bengaluru’s shared green spaces. The initiative was presented by Multigen and in association with Kristu Jayanti University.Jakkur lake saw one of the biggest turnouts, with more than 150 volunteers, including students of Gopalan Engineering College, joining the clean-up activity organised by communiTREE and Jalaposhan Trust.At Girinagar Park, Youth for Seva led the day’s activities, where students of NPS Rajajinagar, under their Project Evara initiative, also demonstrated a textile waste management session. Hasiru Dala led a plogging activity at Nagapura Park, while communiTREE and Smart Soc Hope Foundation brought volunteers together for clean-up and plogging at Lalbagh.For Hafiz RK, founder & CEO, communiTREE, volunteering is about building a relationship between citizens and shared spaces. “Parks need more than infrastructure. They need people who care for them, spend time in them and take responsibility for them. We hope to create not just volunteers for parks, but a community connected to the spaces it shares,” he said.Nithyanandan, project manager, Hasiru Dala, said, “It is encouraging to see citizens coming together and taking responsibility. When citizens, NGOs and volunteers join hands, we can create greater awareness and make a real difference.”Valeswara Rao, Volunteer, Jalaposhan Trust, said, “I have been volunteering at Jakkur Lake for the past two years, and I have seen the amount of plastic and dry waste come down drastically. The lake is an important lung space for Bengaluru, and regular volunteering can make a real difference. I urge more Bengalureans to come and join us.”Dhanush G, Student, Gopalan College of Engineering and Management, added: “We often focus on improving ourselves, but we should also make time to improve our surroundings. If each of us can set aside even one hour a week to care for our lakes, parks and environment, we can leave behind a better city for future generations.”Adithya, degree student, said, “Having grown up in Bengaluru, I see parks as an essential part of city life and a welcome relief from the concrete around us. Planting and protecting greenery becomes even more important as the city develops. I enjoyed volunteering with my friends and doing our bit for one of Bengaluru’s parks.”Aadhya, Class 10 Student, NPS Rajajinagar said planting more trees and protecting greenery is important at a time when deforestation is a concern.Raja Thamizharasan, volunteer, Smart SoC Hope Foundation, said, “Giving one or two hours to a community activity is not a lot of time, but it can make a difference. Instead of spending that time in my room watching reels, I could be outdoors, help clean the environment and do something for nature. It also gives me exercise and a sense of peace, so volunteering is good for both the environment and for me.”To participate in #IamBengaluru activities, visit https://iambengaluru.co.in
