Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Mar 24: Thousands of plants planted along the dividers of various roads in Mangaluru to enhance the city's beauty are withering away due to a lack of maintenance. The plants on several road dividers have dried up under the scorching heat, leaving the city’s green cover disappearing.

Despite spending lacs of rupees on planting these saplings, proper care and maintenance have not been ensured. The Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) has failed to maintain these plants, resulting in their deterioration. While some plants have dried up completely, others are barely surviving. Although these saplings were planted using Smart City funds, no effort has been made for their upkeep.

As summer intensifies, the plants on various road dividers across Mangaluru have dried up. Areas such as Mary Hill, Sharbatkatte, Kadri Park, Hampankatta, Bejai Kapikad, and Clock Tower, among others, have seen their once lush green dividers turn barren. These plants not only enhanced the city's aesthetics but also provided a cooling effect. The MCC had earlier arranged for their maintenance through tenders, and some were managed by local organizations. However, currently, there are no maintenance contracts in place.

Lacs of plants on highway dividers perish

Around three years ago, Karnataka Bank, under its CSR initiative, had planted saplings along the two-kilometer stretch from Pumpwell to KPT at a cost of Rs 1.10 crore. However, with no provision for watering during the summer, these plants have perished. Public opinion suggests that instead of allowing them to dry up, they could have been relocated.

In contrast, areas such as Mannagudda, Balmatta, and Urwa have organizations actively taking care of the divider plants by regularly watering them, keeping the greenery intact.