B'luru sends out a message: Plant more trees, spread awareness

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: In commemoration of World Environment Day on Wednesday (June 5), several organisations did their bit to make the environment better for future generations.

Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) organised a significant event at Peenya Depot 09, emphasising the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability. Shilpa M., Director of Information Technology at BMTC, was present as the chief guest.

To symbolise the corporation's commitment to environmental protection, saplings were planted. Various initiatives aimed at recognising and encouraging environmentally friendly practices among employees were launched.

Staff were honoured for their dedication and discipline and received certificates and cash prizes for the honest return of mobiles, laptops, cash and other valuables.

Additionally, staff members were encouraged to participate actively in environmental conservation efforts by planting at least one sapling each.

In collaboration with the Sasyayagna team, medicinal plants were distributed free of cost to all attendees, to promote green practices and raise awareness on the importance of medicinal plants in enhancing health and well-being.

Meanwhile, an interactive discussion was held by the 'Climate Action Cell' of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) focusing on the importance of shortterm , mid-term, and longterm solutions for climate action in the city.

Preeti Gehlot, Special Commissioner of Forests, Environment, and Climate Change Management, emphasised the significance of citizen participation in conjunction with governmental efforts.

Various educational institutions in Bengaluru, such as Bangalore University and Bengaluru City University, actively participated in World Environment Day celebrations.

They undertook activities ranging from tree plantation drives to green auditing of campus spaces. BCU marked World Environment Day 2024 focusing on the theme 'Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.'

The campus, with a 160-year history, celebrated uniquely by naming its tree species. Green auditing revealed 135 trees of 32 varieties, some aged up to 80 years. Species include Rain trees, Copper pods, Glumohar, and fruit varieties like mango and jackfruit.

The Department of Geography at BU saw the planting of saplings with Dean Ashok D. Hanjagi spreading the message of environmental conservation.