Vijayapura: The city witnessed a massive show of public participation on Sunday as Vrukshathon-2025, an environmental and heritage-focused marathon, brought together more than 20,000 runners and eco-enthusiasts from across India and abroad. The event was led by District-Incharge Minister M. B. Patil, who announced an ambitious new green mission for Vijayapura.
Jointly organised by the District Administration, Zilla Panchayat, Forest Department, Tourism Department, and the Vruksha Laksha Abhiyana Trust, the Vrukshathon Heritage Run featured 21 km, 10 km and 5 km categories. Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre and M. B. Patil flagged off the run, with both leaders completing the 5 km stretch to motivate participants.
Target: 10 Crore Saplings in 10 Years
Speaking at the event, Minister Patil announced that Vijayapura district intends to plant 10 crore saplings over the next decade—five crore as part of its structured plan and the remaining through public partnerships.
He emphasised that enhancing the district’s green cover and conserving heritage structures would remain top priorities.
“We must ensure that the next generation inherits a clean, green, and beautiful Vijayapura. Vrukshathon has made history today by turning environmental responsibility into a people’s movement,” he said.
Since the launch of the Vruksha Laksha campaign in 2016–17, the district has planted and nurtured around 1.5 crore saplings, resulting in forest cover rising from 0.17% to 2%, Patil noted.
Winners Honoured Across 26 Categories
Winners in the 26 competitive categories under the men’s and women’s divisions were felicitated with cash prizes by Minister Patil and other dignitaries.
Special recognition was given to
• Bhimashankar Madagala, Indi taluk Police Department
• Shreyas Yashavantrao, Mumbai-based athlete
• Hanamanta Kataraki, Headmaster, Kengalgutti School
• Maulasab Mainuddinsab, retired Archaeology Department staff
Senior officials including Deputy Commissioner K. Anand, Superintendent of Police Lakshman Nimbargi, ZP CEO Rishi Anand, Balavikasa Academy President Sangamesha Babaleshwara, Mayor M. S. Karadi, Vijayapura Urban Development Authority Chairman Kannan Musharraf, CCF Manjunath Chavhan, and event sponsors participated in the ceremony.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: ವೃಕ್ಷಥಾನ್–2025: ಹಸಿರು ವಿಜಯಪುರಕ್ಕಾಗಿ 10 ಕೋಟಿ ಸಸಿಗಳ ಯೋಜನೆ ಘೋಷಿಸಿದ ಎಂ.ಬಿ. ಪಾಟೀಲ
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