Krishna Byre Gowda Targets 'Paper Plantations' in Bengaluru

Minister Flags Fake Afforestation Claims

Bengaluru's green cover drive is facing a credibility check. Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has called out what he terms 'paper plantations' – instances where afforestation is claimed on official records but no trees actually exist on the ground.

Speaking about the issue, Gowda pointed to large tracts on the city's outskirts where records show thousands of saplings planted but satellite images and field visits reveal barren land. He has directed officials to conduct spot verifications across all such sites.

Order for Ground Verification

The minister has instructed the forest department to physically inspect every location where plantation drives were reported in the last three years. Any discrepancy between records and ground reality will be treated as a serious lapse.

Gowda made it clear that those responsible for fabricating data will face disciplinary action. He said the government will not tolerate 'chest-thumping' over false numbers when the actual green cover remains unchanged.

Why This Matters for Bengaluru

Bengaluru has been grappling with rapid urbanisation and loss of tree cover. In recent years, multiple agencies have claimed large-scale afforestation, but environmental groups have often questioned the survival rates of planted saplings.

Gowda's intervention brings these concerns into the official spotlight. By demanding accountability, the minister aims to ensure that every rupee spent on greening the city actually translates into visible, lasting foliage.

What Officials Say

Senior forest department officers have acknowledged the problem. They admit that in some cases, saplings were planted but died due to lack of watering or protection. In others, records were inflated to meet targets.

An official speaking on condition of anonymity said, 'We often report numbers without tracking survival. This directive will force us to be honest about what survives and what doesn't.'

Next Steps

A team of deputy conservators will now visit each notified 'plantation site' in Bengaluru's peri-urban areas. Their reports are expected within a month. The government will then publish a white paper on actual green cover change.

Gowda has also asked the Bangalore Development Authority and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike to cross-check their own plantation claims. The message is clear: from now on, only trees that stand will count.

The minister's push for transparency could set a precedent for other cities where similar 'paper plantations' may exist. For Bengaluru, the real test will be whether this leads to more shade on the ground – or just more paperwork.