Bengaluru techie turns tree planter: 10,000 saplings and counting

A city techie's green mission

For most Bengaluru techies, a long day at work ends with a commute home. For 29-year-old Arjun Rao, it ends with a shovel and a sapling. Over the last two years, Rao has planted more than 10,000 saplings across the city — in parks, along roadsides, and on vacant plots.

It started small. Two years ago, Rao noticed the trees in his neighbourhood in South Bengaluru were vanishing. Construction projects were eating into green patches. I felt helpless, he told Bangalore Mirror. Then I thought: instead of complaining, why not plant something myself?

From solo effort to community movement

Rao began by spending his weekends planting saplings near his apartment complex. He bought the plants from a local nursery with his own money. Within months, neighbours started noticing. Some asked to join. Soon, his weekend routine turned into a small group activity.

Today, Rao leads a volunteer group of over 200 people. They meet every Saturday morning, rain or shine. The group now sources saplings from the forest department and corporate donors. We don't just plant, we maintain, Rao said. We water them, put up guards, and check on them every week.

Survival rate is the real metric

Planting is only half the battle. In a city where summer temperatures often cross 35 degrees Celsius, keeping saplings alive is tough. Rao says his group's survival rate is around 70 percent. That's decent, he admitted. But we want to get it higher.

The group uses a simple method: they plant only native species — neem, peepal, and banyan — that are suited to Bengaluru's climate. They also avoid planting near construction sites where trees might be dug up later.

Inspiring others to dig in

Rao's story has spread through social media and word of mouth. Several other techies in the city have started similar initiatives. Some companies have begun sponsoring saplings for their employees. It's not about the numbers, Rao said. It's about creating a habit.

The group has now mapped over 50 locations across Bengaluru where they have planted trees. They are working with the local civic body to ensure that the spots are officially recognised as green zones.

What next for the green army?

Rao's goal for the next year is to plant another 10,000 saplings and expand the volunteer network to 500 members. He also plans to start a tree-care workshop for schoolchildren. If we can get kids excited about planting, the future will take care of itself, he said.