Bengaluru, May 03, 2023. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed by the Dept. of Horticulture, Govt.of Karnataka; LM Wind Power and NGO United Way of Bengaluru for an environment intervention at the Doddasaggere Botanical Garden in Koratagere, Tumkur district of Karnataka. The intervention includes rejuvenating a pond and creating a thematic thorny forest. The garden was conceived and created with a vision to boost green cover and save rare species in Karnataka. Spread over 228 acres, it houses a variety of trees, birds, and reptiles.
The rejuvenation of the pond includes activities that will help deepen and increase its water retention capacity, which can potentially help store as much as two crore litres of water. In addition, a bund is being constructed, which will aid in desilting and increasing the water-holding capacity of the pond. Two loose boulder structures are also being created to prevent soil erosion. The intervention is a step towards improving the availability of surface water for the botanical garden, will help reduce groundwater extraction, help in soil moisture conservation, and enhance the vegetation coverage in the project area.
Another interesting initiative under this is the creation of a Thematic Thorny Forest, which is being developed on an area of 4.5 acres.Two thousand five hundred saplings of seventeen thorny varieties are being planted, which will serve as a habitat to a few species of birds and replies who depend on thorny habitat.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Rajesh Lobo, Senior Plant Director, LM Wind Power Dabaspet said “LM Wind Power has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, which is rooted in our core values and operations. When we integrate environmental goals into our business strategy, we add value for all our stakeholders, including the communities in which we operate. We are glad to partner with United Way Bengaluru and Government of Karnataka in the afforestation and pond rejuvenation project, focused on protecting and enhancing biodiversity in the area, improve water quality and create greater awareness about managing our natural resources responsibly, so that we leave a greener world for the next generations.“
Sharing his views, Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, United Way Bengaluru said "We have forgotten that we share this planet with millions of other species, and we also owe it to our future generations. At United Way Bengaluru, we have been implementing flagship programs and environmental interventions like Wake The Lake Campaign, One Billion Drops Campaign, and the Integrated Wtersehd development program towards enhancing the biodiversity and ecosystem of the planet. But we do not do this alone; we do it with the help of our stakeholders as we believe in mobilising the caring power of the communities towards achieving our goals.", said Rajesh Krishnan, CEO of United Way Bengaluru."
The event was attended by delegates, including Mr Nagendra Prasa, IAS, Director of the Horticulture Department; Mr M Jagadish, Joint Director of the Horticulture Department; Mr Rajesh Lobo, Senior Plant Director of LM Wind Power; Mr Mahadeva Murthy, Senior Manager Global EHSS of LM Wind Power; Mr Prashant Prakash, Chairperson, United Way of Bengaluru and Mr Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, United Way of Bengaluru.
