Vijayapura: Karnataka Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy inaugurated the Gyanyogi Sri Siddeshwara Swamiji Arboretum at Savalagasanga in Indi taluk of Vijayapura district, marking a major step towards transforming the once-barren landscape into a green zone.
The programme was held in the presence of Sri Basalinga Swamiji and Sri Siddalinga Deva of Talikoti.
Speaking at the event, Ramalinga Reddy recalled Sri Siddeshwara Swamiji’s message of “God should be seen in nature”, saying the philosophy holds special relevance at a time when environmental protection has become a pressing concern.
“Planting and nurturing trees is not merely about protecting the environment. It is about securing the future of the next generation,” the minister said.
33,500 saplings to transform 100 hectares
Reddy praised Indi MLA Yashwant Rayagouda Patil for taking the initiative to transform the barren hills of Savalagasanga into a green landscape in line with Sri Siddeshwara Swamiji’s vision.
He said the MLA had taken special interest in bringing water from the Alamatti-Krishna river through a pipeline under the Sri Revanasiddheshwar Lift Irrigation Project, helping facilitate the development of the area.
With the cooperation of the Forest Department, around 33,500 saplings are being planted across 100 hectares. Reddy stressed that such greening initiatives are particularly important in Vijayapura, which has relatively low forest cover.
The minister also assured that he would make efforts to secure special grants from the Forest Department to develop Savalagasanga as a major tourist destination and promote Indi on the lines of the Madikeri model.
Arboretum to offer recreation, education and adventure
The newly developed arboretum features several attractions, including a children’s playground, science forest, science park, zipline, observation tower and resting facilities.
The Forest Department is also making different varieties of saplings available to farmers at subsidised rates.
Describing the project as more than just an arboretum, Reddy said it would serve as a playground for children, a learning centre for students, an adventure destination for youth and a place for people to connect with nature.
He expressed hope that the arboretum would become a permanent tribute to Sri Siddeshwara Swamiji’s love for the environment and that Savalagasanga would emerge as one of Vijayapura district’s major green and tourist destinations.