BBMP cuts down over 50 trees near Cantonment Station, leaves mountain of logs on pedestrian path

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: In a move that has sparked outrage among the residents of the city, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) recently felled over 50 trees near the Bangalore Cantonment Railway Station, resulting in the blockage of a crucial and busy pedestrian pathway.

This action has not only inconvenienced pedestrians but has also disrupted the flow of traffic for buses, cyclists, and riders.

According to BBMP officials, the decision to cut down these trees was made in accordance with a Karnataka High Court directive, which allowed for the removal of trees to facilitate construction on the land behind them.

The BBMP's forest department, which is responsible for overseeing trees within the city, explained to News Trail that they had obtained permission to fell approximately 385 trees but aimed to minimize the impact on as many as possible.

Activists have claimed that the BBMP did not follow the required procedures for tree felling and that the trees were chopped down without any prior notice.

They have also demanded that the BBMP replant the trees that were chopped down. The land where these trees once stood is owned by the Indian Railways, and the railway authorities have plans to develop it for commercial purposes.

This development project, however, has raised concerns about the environmental impact and the loss of green cover in the city. Most of the trees that were cut down were mature, some of which were over 50 years old.

These trees provide a number of benefits to the environment. The loss of these trees is a significant blow to the environment of Bengaluru, which is already facing a number of challenges, such as air pollution and water scarcity.

The development project is also likely to have a negative impact on the quality of life of the people who live in the area. Jagath Mallikarjuna, the Cantonment Inspector of Works, assured concerned citizens that the clearing of the footpath would be handled by a contractor and would commence without unnecessary delay.

He acknowledged the inconvenience it caused and stated, "Although we regret the inconvenience it caused, the footpath will be cleared soon."

This incident has sparked a lively debate about finding a balance between urban development and environmental preservation in Bengaluru, a city renowned for its lush greenery and garden city reputation.