Divya, who moved from Mandya to Vijayapura over 10 years ago as her husband got a posting there, had a tough time coping with the hot weather and dusty environment.
She was keen to shift out as she used to frequently face problems like nose bleeding due to high temperature. But now she feels that Vijayapura is “bearable” and that there is some positive change in the weather.
Like Divya, a large number of local people feel that there is some positive change in the environment. A “green revolution” of sorts has unfolded in Vijayapura, marking a significant increase in green cover as over 1.5 crore saplings have been planted in different parts of the district in the last nine years. The process has been sustainable as it involves not just the government, but various organisations and people from different walks of life.
Significant increase
The initiative has pushed up the forest cover of this district from the earlier 0.17% to 2.40% of the total land area, according to Vijayapura district in-charge Minister M. B. Patil, who spearheaded the campaign.
