Latest news with #ShamlaIqbal
The Hindu
5 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Horticulture Department to launch guided walks in Lalbagh and Cubbon Park in Bengaluru
In an effort to familiarise the people of Bengaluru with the flora and fauna of the city's lung spaces, the Horticulture Department is going to launch guided walking tours in Cubbon Park and Lalbagh. A trial walk was conducted in Cubbon Park on July 14 morning. The walking tours will be called 'Cubbon Walks' and 'Lalbagh Walks', and will consist of a group of 20 people per walk. While Cubbon Walks is expected to be launched in two weeks' time, Lalbagh Walks will be launched after the Independence Day flower show. 'Many people in Bengaluru know that there are thousands of trees in Cubbon Park and Lalbagh, but are not aware of their significance scientifically, taxonomically, historically or even religiously in some cases. These spaces are homes to a large variety of flora and fauna, including ants and termites of various species. Trained naturalists will be provided microphones to conduct these walks and they will provide information to the walkers about all of these aspects,' M. Jagadeesh, Joint Director, Parks and Gardens, Horticulture Department told The Hindu. The trial walk on July 14 was taken by senior officials of the Horticulture Department, including the Secretary to Government Shamla Iqbal and Director D.S. Ramesh and a group of naturalists, between 8.40 a.m. and 9.40 a.m. The Department plans to introduce an online booking system for those who wish to participate in the walks to book their slots. 'For now, we want to begin the walk in Cubbon Park during weekends in groups of 20 each. Eventually, as more people get roped in, based on demand, we will increase the slots. The ticket costs are yet to be determined,' Mr. Jagadeesh said. While there are many private walking tours being conducted, especially in Cubbon Park, the officials say that they felt the need to put in place an official walking tour with accurate information. Regular visitors of the green spaces appreciated the initiative. 'I visit Cubbon Park and Lalbagh at least once a month for a morning walk. While I pay attention to the boards put on many trees, an expert providing a detailed explanation will help me understand it better. Even if there is a small cost involved, I would not mind as it would be some thing I would only do once,' said Shruthi R.G., an engineer from Chikkalasandra.
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Civic group flags eco risks to Lalbagh from Tunnel Road
BENGALURU: Civic forum Citizens for Citizens (C4C) has strongly opposed the proposed Tunnel Road project between Hebbal and Central Silk Board, raising concern about its proximity to the iconic Lalbagh rock and Lalbagh lake. In a letter addressed to Shamla Iqbal, secretary of the Horticulture Department, C4C urged authorities to reject the plan to safeguard the ecological and geological sanctity of Lalbagh. According to the letter, the project involves the construction of two tunnels, each 15 metres in diameter, along with two major entry ramps originating from Ashoka Pillar and Wilson Garden. These tunnels are expected to pass beneath or close to the 3,000-million-year-old Lalbagh rock, declared a national geological monument by the Geological Survey of India in 1975. The forum warned that the massive excavation work and construction activity would disrupt water tables, aquifers and the delicate ecology of Lalbagh lake. The group also expressed concerns about the potential damage to heritage trees and aquatic life due to vibrations and soil shifts during tunnelling. Rajkumar Dugar, founder and convenor of C4C, said, 'The ramps for the project, over a km long on either side, will lead to tree cutting, root damage and disruption of underground aquifers. The project in its current form poses geological, hydrological, ecological and civic risks, not just for Lalbagh but for the city at large.' The forum requested the Horticulture Department to obtain detailed technical reports from Bengaluru Smart Infrastructure Ltd (B-SMILE).
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Three-day organic mango and jackfruit mela at Lalbagh
A three-day 'Organic Mango and Jackfruit Fair' organised by the Horticulture Department in association with Jaivik Krishik Society was inaugurated on Friday. The mela has been organised at the Dr. M.H. Marigowda Auditorium in Lalbagh. 'The objective of this mela is to create awareness among the residents of Bengaluru about organic food and provide a good market to more than 1.5 lakh farmers who practise organic farming in the State. If the organic produce gets more demand, then more farmers will be encouraged to practise it. This will be good for the environment and will provide pure food the the public,' said Shamla Iqbal, principal secretary, Horticulture Department after inaugurating the mela. Miyazaki mango, Red Ivory mango, Banana mango and seedless jackfruit are some of the major attractions at the mela. Rangaswamy C, founder of Annapurneshwari Nursery in Shivamogga is the first to grow Miyazaki mangoes in the state and aims to introduce the fruit to the market through the event. The mela also showcases rare heritage mangoes right from Tipu Sultan's, Bada Bagh (300 year old garden). More than 85 varieties of mangoes and 60 varieties of jackfruit are available at the mela. The fruits are sourced from Hubballi, Chikkamagaluru, Mysuru and Tumakuru districts. Ms. Iqbal also noted that Jaivik Krishik Society has been successful in converting around 10,000 hectares into organic farming despite it proving to be hard to convince the farmers. She stated that the plan is to increase it to 30,000 hectares by next year. The mela will conclude on May 25.
