Krumbiegel's Lalbagh

This blog is for all green-lovers.  Bengaluru Lalbagh's famous biannual flower show starting from today is dedicated to the memory of our armed forces.

Countries iconic botanical garden Lalbagh, Bengaluru was the dream of Hyder Ali, the 18th Century ruler of Mysuru.  His dream was taken forward by his more famous son Tippu Sultan.

The credit of developing Lalbagh into a world-class garden goes to

Gustav Hermann Krumbiegel (1865-1956), a German horticulturist, architect and town planner. His talent was spotted by Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar, the then King of Mysuru, who appointed him as the chief of his State's Gardens during 1908. Till his last breath, Krumbiegel served the horticulture department of Mysuru. He 

developed Lalbagh, KRS Garden (Pic above), Cubbon Park, Gardens around Mysuru and Bengaluru palaces. In Lalbagh and all over Bengaluru he planted exotic flowering trees to ensure 'serial blossoming'.

Krumbiegel beautified Lalbagh's glass house and gave a formal shape to it. At the ripe age of 90, he designed and developed the Raj Ghat garden in Delhi! 

But we have forgotten this great man!  Krumbiegel Hall inside Lalbagh (Pic above) is in depleted condition today.  The road between Lalbagh and Mavalli is named after him.

Krumbiegel's legacy was later taken over by Karnataka's illustrious 

son Dr. M.H.Marigowda (1916-93), who was a Ph.D. from Harvard! He was appointed Superintendent of Mysuru Gardens during 1951.  While Krumbiegel's loyalty was princely, Marigowda worked towards the dream of 'Lalbagh for every town'. During his tenure, horticulture farms and nurseries rose from mere '2' in 1951 to '394' in 1974, covering nuke and corners of Karnataka.

Marigowda further beautified Lalbagh with many more ornamental and exotic trees.  Further he converted Lalbagh as a laboratory for horticultural experimentation.  This tireless horticulturist 

wrote.....'No man-made rules came in my way.  The law of nature of plants was only the beacon of light and guide'. His birthday on 8th August, is celebrated as the 'Horticulture Day'. 

The nickname of 'garden city' for Bengaluru is also because of its 280 tanks and lakes it had during 1960.  Urbanization has taken its toll and the number is now reduced to a mere 17!  

Sankey Tank (Pic above) is one of the well maintained tanks today which covers about 37 acres.  The tank was constructed by Col. Richard Sankey, of Madras Regiment during 1882.  This tank which is a popular walking spot today has survived many encroachment threats.

Lake on Fire!

Bellandur lake, the biggest and the historic lake of Bengaluru is on fire.  This huge lake has become a victim of urbanization and man's greed.  The lake is polluted by the discharge of industrial and residential wastes and will be ever-frothing causing disturbance to environment around.

Pollutants in the lake are generating methane gas which catches fire often with smoke engulfing more than 3-4 kms area around!

Like our other Metro cities, Bengaluru too is reeling under the pressure of rapid growth and man's brazen loots.  Once called 'garden city', Bengaluru has now become a concrete jungle.  Relentless felling of trees is hardly replaced by new plantings.  Less said the better about garbage, traffic jams, air pollution, shameless display of flexes and banners. We can't blame the Government alone.  We all have become pseudo environmentalists with the stand.....'let there be green trees all over the city, but not one in front of my house'!

The hope lies in drawing lessons from the messages left by 'green greats' like Krumbiegle and Marigowda. We all should start acting before it is too late.
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Acknowledgements: I have drawn pictures and data from many sites and sources.  I sincerely acknowledge my indebtedness to all of them.