Representative Image: Photo Credit: Cristian Vieriu
UnboxingBLR to create 100 micro-forests in 18 months
In a major step towards restoring Bengaluru’s depleting green cover, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday launched the Hasiru Bengaluru urban forestry initiative at the Nehru Planetarium. The initiative aims to create high-density micro-forests across the city, transforming unused public land into sustainable green spaces.
The project will be spearheaded by UnboxingBLR Foundation (UBLR), in collaboration with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and several civic groups. An MoU was signed at the event, formalising the government’s support for the initiative.
“Environment Day should not be limited to symbolic gestures. It should inspire us to take real, long-term action,” said Deputy CM Shivakumar. “UnboxingBLR’s vision to rejuvenate Bengaluru’s environment through dense greenery and groundwater revival has the government’s full backing.”
Under the agreement, BBMP will identify suitable public spaces—vacant plots, underutilised lands, and parks—where the micro-forests can be established. The civic body will also assist with necessary permissions, provide access to BBMP-owned premises for public awareness drives, and offer saplings from government nurseries wherever possible.
UBLR has already brought together several like-minded partners including United Way Bengaluru, Bangalore Political Action Committee (BPAC), and Rainmatter Foundation to form what may become one of India’s largest coalitions for urban greening.
“We often talk about a mini forest in one corner of the city, like in JP Nagar. But what if we could build 100 such forests across Bengaluru?” said Prashanth Prakash, Chairperson, UnboxingBLR Foundation. “That’s exactly what we’re aiming to do over the next 18 months—with native species and flowering plants integrated into each micro-forest to beautify and cool our neighbourhoods.”
If successful, Bengaluru will become the first city in the country to host 100 high-density, native-species-based micro-forests, not just in the central zones but also in peripheral areas where ecological restoration is urgently needed.
The Hasiru Bengaluru initiative is designed with long-term ecological goals, aiming to:
• Create new green spaces in urban pockets,
• Restore local biodiversity by offering habitats for native flora and fauna,
• Mitigate urban heat and air pollution,
• Support groundwater recharge,
• And establish self-sustaining ecosystems that require minimal maintenance over time.
BBMP officials, including Commissioner Maheshwar Rao and Special Commissioner Preeti Gehlot, were present at the launch and reiterated their commitment to supporting the project.