Hesaraghatta Grassland: Is the grass greener with the new tag?

Key Highlights

• But for the sudden, large expanse of open space, there is none of the dreamy, tall grass that one often sees in old photos, except for a patch inside the institute.
• Instead, what greets you are scrawny old saplings that have been called out for being unscientifically planted in the wrong landscape, and evidence of bonfires and beer parties in the several bottles and litter left behind.
• At the time of our visit, a pre-wedding photography session was in progress at a distance, and local residents say it is a common affair.
• A hare races away from its spot near some rocks, hearing human voices.
• Before 2025, these grasslands were in the news primarily for being the choice of ‘real estate’ for the Karnataka government to set up ambitious projects such as a film city or a theme park, much to the chagrin of environmentalists.