Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Bhopal Municipal Corporation's (BMC) plantation drive for the Global Investor Summit (GIS) 2025 is withering literally. Nearly 50% of the 5,000 saplings planted across the city are reportedly in poor condition due to neglect in maintenance.
As per BMC’s horticulture department, these saplings were planted in 3,000 newly-installed flowerpots placed along key city roads including VIP Road, Lalghati, Airport Road, TT Nagar, Link Roads 1 and 2, Bhadbhada Road, and Kolar Road. Around 15 different plant varieties were used, but their survival rate is now under scrutiny.
Retired horticulture professor K.S. Tomar cited soaring temperatures and improper watering practices as key reasons for the saplings’ decline. “Watering should be done before sunrise or after sunset,” he emphasized, adding that many of the saplings chosen were indoor species unsuitable for roadside plantation due to their sensitivity to direct sunlight.
But, on the ground, dozens of indoor plants are exposed to full sunlight, while BMC tankers have often been seen watering them in peak afternoon heat. Many pots reportedly go un-watered for days.
Admitting to the issues, BMC Assistant Engineer (Horticulture) Promod Malviya told Free Press, “The plantation work was carried out in a rush before GIS, leading to random selection of saplings based on availability.” He added that maintenance is ongoing and plant relocation will be undertaken after the summer season.
