Vijayapura turning ‘Vrukshapura’: Over 20,000 enthusiasts participate in massive plantation drive

Vijayapura: Vrukshathon 2025, held on Sunday with the goals of environmental protection and heritage conservation, was conducted with great enthusiasm in Vijayapura.

More than 20,000 enthusiasts from India and abroad joined the event, which was led by District-In-Charge Minister M.B. Patil.

The event titled ‘Vrukshathon Heritage Run’ was organised jointly by the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Forest and Tourism Departments, and the Vruksha Laksha Abhiyana Trust.

The run featured three categories — 21 km, 10 km and 5 km.

Ministers Eshwar Khandre and Patil flagged off the event and ran the 5 km stretch to encourage the participants.

Speaking on the occasion, Patil said that the district aimed to plant five crore saplings over the next 10 years to increase its green cover.

He added that the preservation of historic monuments in the district was also being prioritised.

“Ultimately, we must pass on a clean and beautiful environment to the next generation. With this, Vrukshathon Heritage run has created history,” he said.

Since the programme began in 2016–17, as many as 1.5 crore saplings have been planted and nurtured. As a result, forest cover, which was earlier just 0.17 percent, has now increased to 2 percent, he emphasised.

Winners and achievers felicitated

The first three winners in each of the 26 categories under the men’s and women’s divisions were presented with attractive cash prizes by Patil and other dignitaries.

On the occasion, Bhimashankar Madagala of Indi taluk Police, Mumbai-based athlete Shreyas Yashavantrao, Kengalgutti School Headmaster Hanamanta Kataraki, and retired Archaeology Department staff Maulasab Mainuddinsab were felicitated.