Promotion of Tree Plantation and Carbon Reduction in Karnataka
REACH (Rural Environmental Awareness Community Help), Bagalkote, Karnataka
Contact: G.N. Simha
Dates: February 2024- December 2026
Total Budget: Rs. 14,17,500
2025 Funding: Rs. 4,72,500 ($5,693)
From March to October 2025, the environmental and community development project in Bagalkote district achieved strong progress through sustained field engagement and participatory implementation. The initiative strengthened community ownership, improved environmental awareness, and enhanced local resilience across all target villages.
A total of 2,680 community members—including SHG members, farmers, school children, teachers, and village residents—benefited directly from project activities. Six Tree Plantation Groups were formed to mobilize farmers and promote eco-friendly practices such as tree plantation, nursery raising, and kitchen gardening.
Key capacity-building interventions included awareness workshops and training programs on climate change, environmental protection, agroforestry, agri-horticulture, and nutrition-focused kitchen gardens. More than 150 participants received structured training. The project facilitated the plantation of 1,850 agroforestry saplings and 460 horticulture plants, with a notable 75% survival rate across 86 beneficiary plots. Species planted provided long-term environmental and livelihood benefits, including fodder, nutrition, shade, and ecological restoration. Beneficiaries and community groups actively took responsibility for sapling care, demonstrating strong ownership.
Awareness programs sensitized over 1,500 individuals to their role in environmental protection, creating a powerful ripple effect that encouraged neighboring villages and Panchayats to adopt similar green initiatives.
Overall, planting over 2,650 trees, building community capacity, and strengthening grassroots participation have improved biodiversity, enhanced household nutrition, and fostered long-term environmental stewardship. The project has established a strong foundation for continued climate resilience and sustainable community development in the Bagalkote region.