Initial Problem Identification

• Location: 10-acre government plot in Haralur near HSR Layout, Bengaluru.
• Condition: The land, including an abandoned quarry, had become a dumping ground for garbage and construction waste.
• Initiative: Local residents +  Bangalore Environment Trust (BET)

Reclamation Process

• Cleanup Efforts:
  • Over two months, more than 100 truckloads of garbage and construction waste were removed.
  • The land was leveled and transformed into a broad terrace to preserve its natural undulation.
  • The abandoned quarry was cleaned, removing truckloads of plastic and other non-biodegradable waste.
• Collaboration:
  • GS Jayadev from Deenabandhu Trust and Ravindra TC from Indus Herbs were involved.
  • Children from nearby apartments and students from government schools participated in creating the urban forest.

Creation of the Urban Forest

• Plantation:
  • Over 5,000 saplings were planted, selected to create an ethno-botanical park.
  • Nearly 100 native species were chosen, including those in a sacred grove to protect birds and insects.
• A Ethno-Botanical Park created and was named after EK Janaki Ammal, a renowned botanist and field biologist.

Adoption by Police Department

• Bengaluru Police Involvement:
  • The success of the Haralur project impressed Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda.
  • A similar project was requested by VC Gopal Reddy, Deputy Commissioner of Police, City Armed Reserve (West), to reclaim a 10-acre wasteland behind Chamundeshwari Police Quarters in Annapurneshwari Nagar.
• Transformation of the Police Quarters Area:
  • Around 4,500 saplings and 1,000 herbs and shrubs were planted.
  • A nutrition garden and a sacred grove with medicinal herbs and essential trees were established.

Significance and Future Vision

• Environmental Impact:
  • The projects have demonstrated a model for reclaiming barren lands and creating urban forests.
  • The initiative highlights the importance of action over discussions on climate change.
  • Potential to plant over 20 lakh trees on barren lands around Bengaluru to restore air quality and improve water security.