Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) is all set to create a record of sorts by planting a whopping 15 lakh native plant saplings in the tech capital on June 27 by roping in 50k volunteers under the Bengaluru Urban Ecological Restoration Misson 2026-30. “This will be the largest greening initiative to be undertaken. If we want future generations to enjoy Bengaluru, we must act now” said BDA chairman NA Haris. Excerpts:What motivated you to take up such a drive?Haris: The idea emerged during discussions with CM DK Shivakumar on the increasing impact of global warming. We felt BDA should contribute something meaningful and long-lasting to Bengaluru. That is how the plantation drive was conceived, we are adopting the Miyawaki method to create dense green cover and make Bengaluru greener for future generations.How does this plantation drive fit into BDA’s vision for the city’s future?Haris: This is not just a programme; it is a movement. We want to inspire citizens, companies, NGOs and institutions to take ownership of Bengaluru’s environment. The city was once known for its greenery and pleasant climate. It is our responsibility to contribute to improving the city’s environmental health. The three BDA layouts offered buffer zones and open areas where plantation drives could be carried out at scale. Altogether, nearly 245 acres have been identified for the initiative. Saplings are also being sourced from neighbouring states, 12 lakh saplings have already reached the designated sites.What measures are being taken to ensure the saplings survive?Haris: Maintenance is critical. BDA, along with NGOs and corporate partners, will maintain the plantations for three years. Watering arrangements will be provided and the Miyawaki method itself encourages faster growth and higher survival rates because the saplings grow in close proximity and support each other’s development.Older areas in Bengaluru have been losing trees due to age and extreme weather. Why are planting initiatives not being taken up in central Bengaluru?Haris: We are distributing saplings and encouraging plantation activities in central Bengaluru as well. On World Environment Day, nearly 50,000 saplings were distributed. However, a project of this scale requires large parcels of land, which are difficult to find in older parts of the city.The Mega Plantation Drive At A Glance• 15 lakh saplings to be planted• Around 245 acres identified across three BDA layouts• More than 50,000 volunteers expected to participate• Plantation based on the Miyawaki method• Around 7,800 to 8,000 saplings to be planted per acre• Focus on creating dense urban forests and future “oxygen parks”Why Native Species?According to officials from the forest wing BDA, the plantation drive will focus on native species rather than ornamental or exotic trees commonly found in commercial nurseries. The project aims to introduce nearly 350 species, including rare and lesser-seen native trees, shrubs and plants. Officials say native species are crucial for restoring Bengaluru’s urban biodiversity as they support birds, butterflies, insects and other wildlife that form part of the city’s natural food web.The Money Trail• Cost per sapling: Rs 59 (Includes procurement, loading, transportation and unloading)• Total sapling expenditure: Rs 9.3 crore• Total project expenditure: Rs 18 crore (Including saplings, logistics and execution)• CSR funds mobilised: Rs 70 crore (To cover land preparation, plantation activities and three years of maintenance)Three-Year Survival Plan• BDA will provide water infrastructure• Eleven NGOs have partnered with BDA• NGOs and corporate partners will assist maintenance• Three-year maintenance commitment in place• Miyawaki model expected to improve survival rates through dense plantation techniques• Long-term objective is to convert plantation sites into urban oxygen parksWHAT IS MIYAWAKI METHOD?The Miyawaki method is a Japanese afforestation technique that creates dense, self-sustaining forests in a relatively small area using native species. Developed by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, the method is increasingly being adopted in cities to restore green cover and improve urban ecology. Unlike conventional plantations where a few species are planted with large gaps between them, the Miyawaki method mimics a natural forest.
