To commemorate the centenary of the 1924 Belagavi Congress Session presided over by Mahatma Gandhi, Karnataka’s Minister for Forests, Ecology, and Environment, Eshwar B. Khandre, has announced an extensive sandalwood plantation initiative. As part of this project, the state will plant 10 lakh sandalwood saplings, complementing the 2 crore saplings planned for the Vanamahotsava celebrations.
In Belagavi district, 100 selected locations will each host the planting of 100 sandalwood saplings. To safeguard these valuable trees, secure sites will be identified to prevent theft. Additionally, these locations will feature photographs of Mahatma Gandhi from the 1924 session, along with brief descriptions of the event, to educate visitors about its historical significance.
This initiative not only honors the historic Congress session but also underscores the cultural and economic value of sandalwood, which holds a special place in Karnataka’s heritage. By integrating environmental conservation with historical remembrance, the project aims to strengthen the state’s connection to its roots while promoting ecological sustainability.
