Reviving Bengaluru as a Garden City: A Vision for a Greener Future

Can we transform Bengaluru into a garden city again?

Yes, it can be done. Leadership with a vision, like KCR and Tej KTR, and the active participation of the GHMC and the community can make this vision a reality. The groundwork has already been laid. Collective efforts and harmony are key to achieving this green metamorphosis.

Renewing Bengaluru’s Green Spaces

Every city needs green lungs, and Bengaluru, like most major cities, lags substantially in terms of green coverage. The city currently has a dismal green cover of 17%, far below the ideal 33%. Therefore, increasing tree planting is crucial. Cycles and electric vehicles can further contribute to cleaning the atmosphere.

Tree planting should focus on species such as neem and peepal, which do not produce excessive pollen. Bengaluru is already grappling with significant pollen dust, so curbing the planting of flowering trees is imperative.

Building a Civic Responsibility

Environmental conservation begins with the individual. Citizens must develop a love for their country and refrain from littering. Instead, we should take responsibility for our actions and promote practices like water conservation and clean surroundings. It is egregious when people merely take down government-planted trees without any regard for their role in beautifying the city and providing shade.

Local shops should be relocated to create spaces for tree planting on pavements. Additionally, the government should mandate that citizens plant at least one tree near their homes. This initiative would enhance and foster a sense of community ownership in the greenery of the city.

Addressing Garbage Management

The title of 'Garbage City' was earned due to mounds of uncleared garbage. This issue is a result of several factors:

Frequent strikes by garbage contractors Collusion and corruption between officials and contractors Removal of public bins by BBMP during door-to-door garbage collection Fast-filling landfills around the city

The first two issues can be remedied by effective government intervention. The third issue requires a collaborative effort from both the government and citizens. Segregating wet and dry waste and promoting recycling can significantly help in managing this crisis.

Restoring Bengaluru's Parks and Public Spaces

Protecting and enhancing public spaces is vital for a garden city. The government must stop the unauthorized development that converts parks into commercial plots. There should be a halt to cutting trees for plot formation. More emphasis should be placed on the preservation of public parks.

Furthermore, the Racecourse should be converted into a public park, thereby providing a much-needed green space to the city. This initiative would not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of Bengaluru but also contribute to improving the health and well-being of its residents.

In conclusion, transforming Bengaluru into a garden city is achievable through the collective efforts of the government, the community, and responsible citizens. Together, we can ensure a more beautiful, sustainable, and livable city for generations to come.