The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : ‘Clean Bangalore Green Bangalore’ campaign launched by Rotary Club

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Sep 17, 2007
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‘Clean Bangalore Green Bangalore’ campaign launched by Rotary Club

Staff Reporter

— Photo: K. Murali Kumar

Aiming for a green cover: Union Minister of State for Planning M.V. Rajasekharan planting a sapling at Chikkegowdanpalya, in Bangalore on Sunday.

BANGALORE: Even as Bangalore is losing its green cover for developmental purposes, Rotary Clubs have launched a campaign to plant saplings in several areas and educational institutions to help retain the green cover.

The Rotary Clubs of Bangalore South Region on Sunday launched the “Clean Bangalore Green Bangalore” campaign as part of World Ozone Day, by planting saplings at BDA layouts, at Chikkegowdanpalya in Bansahnakri 6th Stage here.

The chief convener of the movement, Ashok Maheshwari, told The Hindu that thousands of saplings would be planted across the city by 41 Rotary Clubs during the 2007-2008. “Earlier, we had concentrated on creating awareness on ozone-related issues, but we have taken up tree planting programmes seriously from this year. This movement focuses on result-oriented action-based activities about environment,” he added.

The club is mostly looking at planting Honge saplings and flowering plants that are more suitable to the region. “Similar programmes to plant saplings in Tumkur and Kolar would be launched in a few weeks, and over 10,000 plant saplings would be planted in these regions,” Mr. Maheshwari added.

Involvement

Earlier, inaugurating the campaign, the Union Minister of State for Planning, M.V. Rajasekharan, said that the local people should be involved in the programme for its success. Stating that the hole in the ozone layer is a cause for concern, he said that organisations such as Rotary should be in the forefront of the movement.

Recalling his interest in plantation, the Minister said that he was managing a forest property developed by his ancestors that is over hundred years old, and not a single plant has died. “Movement to spread greenery is for all ages,” he added.

Mr. Maheshwari highlighted the medical problems that could be caused due to depletion of ozone layer.

He said: “Depletion of Ozone layer can also have adverse effects on plant growth, thus reducing agricultural productivity."

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