Karnataka is the second most driest state of India after the desert state of Rajasthan. 156 taluks have already been declared as drought-hit areas in the state.

Popularly known as a Garden city, can you imagine Bengaluru without any trees?

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In an unfortunate development yesterday, a forest fire at Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park has engulfed over 600 acres of forest land.

Hundreds of wild animals have been killed in the fire. Now this fire has reached to the core area and lives of many wildlife species are in danger along with other flora and fauna.

It is being suspected that the fire is man-made. Strong winds and dry leaves are playing a catalyst to this fire. Hundreds of villagers, environmentalists and foresters are volunteering along with firemen to douse off the fire but still, it isn't under control.

Aero India show suspended

In yet another fire incident near Yelhanka Air Force Station, where Aero India show is being hosted, about 150 cars parked in its parking were gutted though no human was injured. The fire was controlled by creating some empty space between other parked cars.

However, Aero India show had to be suspended after the yesterday morning's display as fire broke out around noon.

21,00,000 more trees going to be axed this summer

Do we need any awareness campaign to underline the importance of trees and forests? Not really. Most of us are aware of their significance, if not all. However, United Conservation Movement took an initiative to check up with the residents of Bengaluru and captured their feedback in this interesting video called

Why do trees matter to you?:

Yesterday morning, several environmental activists, volunteers, school children and common people came together for No Trees = No Water event held under the banner of Universal Conservation Movement in solidarity to protect our trees, our water sources and our environment. This citizen-driven campaign will be taken across all ecologically-sensitive districts.

Some 2.1 million trees are expected to be axed this summer for numerous invasive projects across Karnataka, including creation of four-lane highways, which will devastate existing elephant and animal corridors.

If citizens come together against such projects, they do work. Only last month with "Save Bandipur - Night Traffic Beda" campaign, the government had quashed the misconstrued elevated roads project in Bandipur (to lift the existing night traffic ban).

With no political will to conserve our environment, such initiatives are needed all across the country.