Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, D.K. Shivakumar, unveiled the landmark Hasiru Bengaluru urban-forestry initiative at a ceremony held on Saturday at the city’s Nehru Planetarium.
Under an MoU with the BBMP, the pioneering Hasiru Bengaluru is anchored by UnboxingBLR Foundation (UBLR), and aims to transform unused/under-utilized public land into high-density microforests.
BBMP will assist in identifying suitable sites, provide access and permissions for implementation, and facilitate the use of BBMP-owned parks and premises for public engagement and awareness programmes.
Where possible, saplings from government nurseries will be provided at no cost.
UBLR will work closely with other partners to anchor the planning and implementation of the project. UBLR is forging alliances with like-minded partners — United Way Bengaluru, Bangalore Political Action Committee (BPAC), Rainmatter Foundation, and others — to create one of India’s largest collectives devoted to nurturing and expanding urban green spaces.
Over time, the Hasiru Bengaluru microforests will help:
- Create new high-density green spaces.
- Restore biodiversity in degraded zones, offering habitat corridors for native flora and fauna.
- Reduce the heat island effect and filter air pollutants for cleaner, cooler neighbourhoods.
- Support groundwater recharge by rebuilding natural ecological networks.
- Establish long-term, self-sustaining ecosystems that flourish without intensive upkeep.
UBLR is also anchoring the following initiatives:
- Namma Bengaluru Challenge — a grants programme connecting startups and NGOs working for the city, with local causes.
- BLR Hubba — the annual city festival that celebrates Bengaluru’s creativity and community spirit.
- Museum of Innovation Startup and Technology (MIST) — A PPP (Public Private Partnership) to build a one-of-a-kind destination celebrating and documenting India and Bengaluru’s journey on the world tech, startup and innovation map.
- BBMP’s NammaRaaste, NammaKoduge initiative — maintaining streets to ensure safer, cleaner neighbourhoods.
- WeAreCity Data Report — a comprehensive annual publication benchmarking Bengaluru’s performance against other top metros in India across key socio-economic categories.
- Other initiatives include the FCTC (From Code to Culture) podcast, and a multipart, docu-series on Bengaluru.
