UWBe signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Dept. of Horticulture of Govt. of Karnataka as a step forward.
Bengaluru (India CSR): 1 lac dry deciduous tree saplings will be planted over the 11-acre horticulture land of Doddasaggere Botanical Garden in Koratagere, Tumkur district of Karnataka. This man-made forest will serve as a space to explore native species for students, environmentalists and visitors.
In India, the dry deciduous forests are mainly situated in areas where annual rainfall ranges from 500 – 1,500 mm. Every such species in these forests has its own time of leaf casting. For example, Sal is a significant tree found in dry deciduous forests.
Mphasis (F1 Foundation); United Way of Bengaluru (NGO) and Department of Horticulture, Govt. of Karnataka have come together to drive an afforestation initiative.
Doddasaggere Botanical Garden in Koratagere
Under the initiative, a dense forest is being set up on an 11-acre plot. The intervention is a part of the 228 acres Botanical Garden at Doddasaggere Botanical Garden in Koratagere, Tumkur district of Karnataka.
This green intervention by planting native species can help absorb 21,00,000 kilograms of carbon and produce 1,18,00,000 kgs of oxygen annually, a statement said.
Maintenance of the green cover
As per the MOU, UWBe shall also ensure maintenance of the green cover for the next three years with support from Mphasis, including regular watering, manuring, de-weeding and mulching of the area.
Besides afforestation, as a part of UWBe’s integrated watershed development, stream restoration, and soil and moisture conservation activities have been planned at the project site.
Just as Lalbagh is considered the Lung of Bengaluru, this intervention will help to improve the air quality, enhance biodiversity, and reduce the temperature in the vicinity, besides building an oxygen bank and carbon sink. All in less than 100 KM from Bengaluru.
Lalbagh Botanical Garden
Apart from the afforestation, Mphasis is also supporting United Way Bengaluru’s “One Billion Drops” campaign to conserve rainwater by constructing percolation wells in the city of Bengaluru. Bengaluru’s Lalbagh Botanical Garden, where UWBe has already built 280 percolation wells earlier, will take up the construction of additional 220 percolation wells with the support from Mphasis to cover the entire campus.
“The existing percolation wells in Lal Bagh have demonstrated multifold benefits. It has helped to address issues like water runoff, flooding and a decrease in the groundwater table. The harvested water is used to water 1850 species of trees in the garden. It has been a boon for people living in the locality and businesses like plant nurseries. “, Dr. M Jagadeesh, Joint Director, Lal Bagh.
1000 percolation wells
Additionally, over 1000 percolation wells will be built at various locations in the city. We are kickstarting the same by unveiling a 4 ft percolation well model at Lalbagh for all to see.
Each percolation well can conserve 1,28,000 liters of rainwater annually and help augment the groundwater table level in the catchment area. The project aligns well with the Prime Minister’s clarion call of “Catch the Rain, Where it falls When it falls” under the National Water Mission.
Dommasandra Lake
Another significant intervention undertaken toward water security is the restoration of Dommasandra Lake in Bengaluru. This multi-year project aims to improve water quality, enhance biodiversity, and increase community ownership. This initiative will help the population of Dommasandra Panchayat by increasing the groundwater level and benefit the flora, fauna and aquatic life.
Reviving the biodiversity
“With the combined efforts of the campaign, we are taking a huge step forward towards reviving the biodiversity of the state and helping fight the ongoing water crisis.”, said Srikanth Karra, CHRO Mphasis.
All these interventions are also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, such as SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 13 – Climate Action and SDG 15 – Life on Land, the company said.
(Representing image)
