Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar launches 15 lakh sapling drive on Kempegowda Jayanti

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that 1.5 million saplings will be planted across Karnataka on Kempegowda Jayanti (June 27) as part of a large‑scale afforestation push. The campaign was launched during World Environment Day activities, where Shivakumar and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi planted saplings at Kempegowda International Airport and at Vidhana Soudha.

The Bangalore Development Authority will coordinate the drive, which is linked to a broader state goal of planting five crore trees to increase urban green cover, improve air quality and strengthen climate resilience. The event was attended by senior officials, judges of the Karnataka High Court, ministers, and representatives from schools, factories and the South Western Railway, all taking part in planting activities and awareness programmes.

The initiative underscores the Karnataka government’s emphasis on collective responsibility for environmental protection and seeks to mobilise citizens to cultivate and maintain greenery in homes and communities.