The barren land of Bidar has turned into a thriving green forest

The land that was once barren has turned into a thriving green forest on the outskirts of Yadlapur village in Bidar district. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

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 thanks to the permanent afforestation initiative under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

Spread over 15 acres behind the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University campus, the project has not only restored the ecological balance of the area, but also improved groundwater recharge, created rural employment and created a vibrant green space for the local community.

The afforestation was done by the Social Forestry Department, Bidar Range, under Bidar Zilla Panchayat. After digging the same number of pits under MGNREGA, more than 3,000 saplings were planted in 2022. Another 1000 saplings were added last year with the support of MGNREGA workers.

Today, the once barren area is now covered with 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 said the project demonstrates how MGNREGA can be effectively used to convert degraded land into productive green assets while improving water conservation and supporting rural livelihoods.

According to Shivkumar Ratod, Head of Forestry, Social Forestry, Bidar, the intervention has brought tangible benefits to the environment. “Previously, rainwater simply ran off. The plantation improved soil moisture retention, increased vegetation cover and provided shelter for birds and wildlife,” he said.

A key part of the project was the construction of a dam at the bottom of the valley to conserve rainwater. The structure has helped improve groundwater recharge in nearby villages, resulting in year-round availability of water in several boreholes and improved irrigation prospects for local farmers.

The initiative has also created employment, generating more than 200 man-days of work under MGNREGA, while contributing to long-term ecological restoration.

Panchayat Development Officer of Yadlapur Devappa Chambol said that the plantation has become a habitat for birds and offers a pleasant environment for visitors. Two forest guards were deployed to maintain and protect the plantation.

Buoyed by the success of the project, Bidar Zilla Panchayat CEO Girish Badole plans to expand the plantation. He said more saplings would be planted this year, while soil and water conservation measures in the valley would continue.

Published – June 6, 2026 7:55 PM IST