SHIVAMOGGA: A Bengaluru-based tech entrepreneur who bought a meadow in Sagar taluk of Shivamogga district a decade ago converted the place into a forest and named it. Usha Kiran. The forest, developed with the help of renowned environmentalist Akhilesh Chipli, has native species of plants and trees.
wife Suresh KumarRunning an IT company in Bangalore, he also has business interests in the education sector. He has built a private English medium school Hongirana in Amtekoppa Rural, Taluk for the benefit of rural students.
When Kumar was looking for land to expand his business in Sagar, he learned that a land owner had sold his 21-acre plot, where he had grown acacia and eucalyptus.
After buying the land, he decided not to use it for commercial purpose, and shared his thoughts with his friends, especially Chipli. The environmentalist suggested Suresh to convert the land into a forest, and later adopted the idea. Over the next 10 years, he grew native species in Usha Kiran, which is now home to many birds along with wild animals such as wildebeest and deer.
While Kumar said that he is proud of Chipli’s work, the latter said that his project is a green model. “The land was like a desert about a decade ago. Suresh Kumar, my tech entrepreneur-friend, heeded my advice to convert it into a forest. I planted a few species of plants that were sourced from here. Westren Ghatsi. Trees and shrubs naturally covered the place. Gin cover is ensured when there is no interference from the people,” Chipli explained.
Now friends have dedicated Usha Kiran to studies. “Many photographers, forest workers and environmentalists come here,” Chipli said.
wife Suresh KumarRunning an IT company in Bangalore, he also has business interests in the education sector. He has built a private English medium school Hongirana in Amtekoppa Rural, Taluk for the benefit of rural students.
When Kumar was looking for land to expand his business in Sagar, he learned that a land owner had sold his 21-acre plot, where he had grown acacia and eucalyptus.
After buying the land, he decided not to use it for commercial purpose, and shared his thoughts with his friends, especially Chipli. The environmentalist suggested Suresh to convert the land into a forest, and later adopted the idea. Over the next 10 years, he grew native species in Usha Kiran, which is now home to many birds along with wild animals such as wildebeest and deer.
While Kumar said that he is proud of Chipli’s work, the latter said that his project is a green model. “The land was like a desert about a decade ago. Suresh Kumar, my tech entrepreneur-friend, heeded my advice to convert it into a forest. I planted a few species of plants that were sourced from here. Westren Ghatsi. Trees and shrubs naturally covered the place. Gin cover is ensured when there is no interference from the people,” Chipli explained.
Now friends have dedicated Usha Kiran to studies. “Many photographers, forest workers and environmentalists come here,” Chipli said.
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