he next time you celebrate your birthday or your child's achievement, or any joyous occasion, here's a cool idea for you: plant trees!

The Karnataka government and Parisara, a non-governmental organisation, have hit on a novel idea to promote planting and growing of trees, in a small way.

Under this scheme, you pay Rs 500 per tree, which will be utilised to plant a seedling, to rear and protect it till it becomes self-sustaining.

Parisara and the government have formed Spoorthi Vana (inspiring forest), a committee to take up the project.

The committee has proposed planting seedlings on a 300-acre land -- which belongs to the state-run Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board -- in and around the catchment areas of Tippagondanahalli on the outskirts.

Fifty seedlings are proposed to be grown in each acre.

How it works

Each tree would be uniquely numbered and a certificate (with all the details) would be issued to the person.

Some may want to plant a seedling, but may not have the time or the land.

You can also contribute to remember a solemn occasion, like the death anniversary of a near and dear one.