Koti Vruksha Abhiyan
Transforming Vijayapura's semi-arid landscape - one crore trees at a time.
Key Highlights
Dr. M. B. Patil's Vision for Vijayapura
"Vijayapura has a semi-arid climate with only 0.17% forest cover - far below the national policy target of 33%. Koti Vruksha Abhiyan was born to change that."
Initiated in 2016 by Dr. M. B. Patil, Minister for Large & Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, Karnataka, this campaign set the audacious goal of planting one crore trees across the district in five years - and has since grown into a movement targeting 5 crore trees.
The campaign united the Forest Department, Agriculture, Horticulture, over 50 NGOs, educational institutions, political parties, and thousands of citizens under one green mission.
The Problem
- Temperatures above 40°C in summer (March–June)
- Chronic drought-prone region since British colonial era
- Only 0.17% forest cover vs 33% national policy target
- Annual rainfall as low as 500–550mm
The Solution - Results So Far
- 1.5 crore trees planted since 2016
- 2.4% increase in green cover (FSI, Dehradun)
- Rainfall up to 600–650mm; +10 rainy days per year
- Next target: 5 crore trees
Koti Vruksha Abhiyan - In Detail
A district-wide movement that redefined what community-led afforestation can achieve.
Vijayapura District
Located in northern Karnataka, Vijayapura is a semi-arid region with a rich history. Its dry deciduous forests, scrublands, and thorny forests are resilient to the hot, dry climate - but desperately needed expansion.
The district was recognized as drought-prone since British colonial rule, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C from March to June.
Plantation at Scale
Tree planting covered rural, urban, and semi-urban areas - schools, colleges, roadsides, graveyards, and BDA gardens.
- 280 block plantations by Territorial, Social, and KBJNL Forest divisions - each with 2,000–3,000 trees on C & D land.
- Mega Plantation 1: KBJNL Almatti - 60,000 saplings across 540 acres, 35–40 native species, drip irrigation (2017).
- Mega Plantation 2: Territorial Forest - 1,50,000 saplings across 628 ha at Mamadapur; 1,27,000 planted by 2024–25.
Nurseries & Species
12–15 strategically located nurseries across the district, including hi-tech facilities, produce 25 lakh saplings annually since 2017.
Nearly 184 different native species are cultivated - forest species, fruit-bearing trees, and soil erosion control species - tailored to each area's ecological needs.
Unique Awareness Activities
- Plant on Your Birthday - promoted via social media and school visits.
- Vruksha Bhandan - tying rakhi on trees to pledge protection, with RSS, NSS & NCC volunteers.
- April Cool - plant a tree on April 1st instead of April Fool's pranks.
- Sapling instead of Bouquet - replacing cut flowers at functions.
- Return Gift Saplings - children receive saplings at birthday parties.
- Marriage & Festival Distribution - saplings gifted at weddings and festivals.
Vrukshathon - The Mega Event
Initiated by Dr. M. B. Patil in 2017, Vrukshathon is a mega event combining a half-marathon with mass tree plantation to promote Koti Vruksha Abhiyan at scale.
10,000 participants attended the Vrukshathon Gol-Gumbaz Half-Marathon 2017. The event ran for three editions, creating massive awareness for afforestation and the protection of historical monuments.
Sandalwood actor Yash served as brand ambassador for the event.
Measured Impact
- +2.4% green cover - as per Forest Survey of India, Dehradun.
- AQI 37 - Vijayapura ranks 3rd across India in Air Quality Index.
- 2–3°C cooler summers recorded across the district.
- Rainfall up from 500–550mm to 600–650mm; rainy days increased from 20–30 to 30–40 days.
- Long-term benefits for biodiversity, soil moisture conservation, and groundwater recharge.
Next Target: 5 Crore Trees
The journey of Koti Vruksha Abhiyan continues with an even more ambitious goal.
Identify New Sites
Systematic identification of plantation sites across all talukas, including degraded lands, water bodies, and urban green corridors.
Expand Nurseries
Scale up nursery capacity to produce 50+ lakh saplings annually, with more hi-tech facilities and farmer-accessible distribution.
Amplify Campaigns
Intensify Vrukshathon, Vruksha Bhandan, and digital outreach to mobilize the next generation of green warriors.
Projects Making a Difference
From mega forest plantations to roadside greening, every initiative is a step toward a greener Vijayapura.
Mamdapur Forest
628 hectares of barren land turned into a thriving forest. 1,27,000 trees. 95% survival rate. A project that failed for 20 years - until KVA got it right.
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Karad Doddi Forest
540 acres of rocky land near Vijayapura city, transformed into a forest with 67,000 trees and dozens of bird species returning.
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Social Forest
Trees along roadsides, in public gardens, residential layouts, and community spaces like temples, churches, and mosques across the district.
Explore →Be Part of the Green Revolution
Join thousands of volunteers, runners, and tree planters building a greener Vijayapura.