Citizen-led initiative to increase green cover to 30% by 2040 in Mangaluru

Time of India

21-04-2025

Mangaluru: In a collaboration between citizens, the govt, and educators, Amara (Prakrutiye Pragati) -
plant a tree
, adopt a tree - a movement to restore Mangaluru's green cover, revive public participation, and build a model for cities across India, was inaugurated on Monday.
The initiative is led by deputy commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP, in partnership with the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC), zilla panchayat, forest department, education department, and the Centre for Advanced Learning (CFAL). With the support of apartment associations, civic groups, schools, and students, the city will plant 30,000 trees across 60 wards and over a lakh mangroves along its vulnerable coastline.
Following the launch, wards are expected to be adopted by April 30, tree planting locations will be identified by May 15, and on World Environment Day, the distribution and plantation drive will be launched. An audit and monitoring will be held by Aug 15.
The movement began with deep groundwork. In 2023, under the leadership of Prof Smitha Hegde, director of Research at CFAL, an extensive Tree Count Survey was conducted across Mangaluru. Every tree in public spaces was identified, geotagged, and measured to map biodiversity, heat sinks, and gaps in green cover.
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Muhilan said that with Mangaluru's trees already mapped and the city's public green cover at just 6.2%, the goal is to increase it to 30% by 2040. As a first step, citizens are encouraged to adopt existing trees, and the next phase involves identifying new plantation sites that will be verified by the corporation and other development departments.
The initiative, he said, aims to transform Mangaluru into one of the most liveable cities in the country, but success depends on active community participation. He urged individuals and organisations to enrol and support the campaign.
Smitha said that native varieties will be selected with careful consideration of aesthetic appeal. "We will also consider what species are best suited for road medians," she added.
MP Captain Brijesh Chowta said the initiative should serve as a model for the rest of the country, emphasising the urgent need to protect the environment for future generations.
"We must integrate ideas with action, as working in isolation is no longer effective," he said. Chowta also called for a deeper understanding of the reasons behind the decline in Mangaluru's green cover. As part of the ongoing effort, he plans to introduce and align the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign with the current drive and will soon hold discussions with the concerned.
Deputy conservator of forests Anthony S Mariyappa, MCC commissioner Ravichandra Naik, and others were present. Saplings were planted in the MCC premises as part of the inaugural. The department of education, forest department, Lions Club, Rotary Club, KSPCB, CREDAI, and NGOs will be part of it.