Bengaluru residents and civic body plant saplings at Rani Park on World Environment Day

Sandalwood celebrity Sonika Gowda, association president Dr S Umesh Kumar, M R Chandrashekar, deputy director of the BBMP’s horticulture department; work inspector Channegowda; and park in-charge Bhudevi were among those present on the occasion.

“It is our duty to spread awareness about the environment. We are in dire need of oxygen and fresh air. The BBMP has taken several initiatives to plant trees and promote a clean, green environment through afforestation. Every year we plant almost 2 lakh saplings, be it in open spaces, avenue plantations, under-developed parks and even lakes,” said Chandrashekar.

Furnished with Ayurvedic trees, the Rani park has a medicinal aura and a history of its own. Several public figures and locals such as former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, former Chief Justice of India S Rajendra Babu, actors Kiccha Sudeep and Rishabh Shetty have enjoyed evening strolls in the park.

“Having been the president of the CPWA for 14 years, I was extremely concerned about the damage and pollution to the environment. Each year, our association plants and distributes more than 600 saplings in Cubbon Park and Lalbagh. This time, however, we took into account other parks managed by the BBMP to promote a healthy green blanket all over the city,” said Dr Umesh.

Sonika Gowda expressed happiness to be in the midst of nature. As a plant lover, she hoped to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the environment.

Regular upkeep of the saplings and year-round greening projects are part of the follow-up plans.