A barren, drought-prone area that once stood devoid of vegetation on the outskirts of Yadlapur village in Bidar district has been transformed into a lush green forest through a sustained afforestation initiative under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Spread across 15 acres behind the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University campus, the project has not only restored ecological balance in the area but also improved groundwater recharge, generated rural employment and created a vibrant green space for the local community.
The afforestation drive was undertaken by the Social Forestry Department, Bidar Range, under the Bidar Zilla Panchayat. More than 3,000 saplings were planted in 2022 after an equal number of pits were dug under the MGNREGA. Another 1,000 saplings were added last year with the support of the MGNREGA workers.
Today, the once-barren area is now covered by a dense canopy of native trees, including Peepal, Basari (Ficus virens), Jamun, Sweet Tamarind, Arjuna, Neem, Mahua, Teak and Honne, giving the landscape the appearance of a natural forest.
Officials stated that the project demonstrates how the MGNREGA can be effectively utilised to convert degraded land into productive green assets, while simultaneously enhancing water conservation and supporting rural livelihoods.
According to Shivkumar Rathod, Range Forest Officer, Social Forestry, Bidar, the intervention has brought tangible environmental benefits. “Earlier, rainwater would simply run off. The plantation has improved soil moisture retention, increased vegetation cover and created shelter for birds and wildlife,” he said.
A key component of the project was the construction of a check dam at the base of the valley to conserve rainwater. The structure has helped improve groundwater recharge in nearby villages, resulting in year-round water availability in several borewells and enhanced irrigation prospects for local farmers.
The initiative has also generated employment, creating more than 200 man days of work under the MGNREGA, while contributing to long-term ecological restoration.
Panchayat Development Officer of Yadlapur Devappa Chambol said the plantation has become a habitat for birds and offers a pleasant environment for visitors. Two forest guards have been deployed to maintain and protect the plantation.
Encouraged by the success of the project, the Bidar Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Girish Badole plans to expand the plantation. He said additional saplings would be planted this year while continuing soil and water conservation measures in the valley.
Published - June 06, 2026 07:55 pm IST
Source: The Hindu - India News
