Activists oppose felling of 35,527 trees for B'luru Suburban Rail Project

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: The Suburban Rail Project in Bengaluru could lead to the felling of as many as 35,527 trees, a loss the city cannot afford, argue activists.

Bengaluru is already grappling with its worst heat wave and water crisis, exacerbated by rapid urbanisation and loss of green cover. Activists stress that the government’s plan to replace full-grown trees with saplings is insufficient, as mature trees take decades to grow.

Activists suggest utilising existing infrastructure for the Suburban Rail Project, which would avoid tree felling. They advocate technological interventions such as automatic signalling and double-decker lines.

This approach would not only preserve the city’s dwindling greenery but also reduce project costs and expedite completion, easing road congestion sooner.

Urgent appeal to officials

Environmental advocates called on Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and Karnataka Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre to pursuade Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to reconsider the current plan.

Activist Sandeep Anirudhan highlights that Bengaluru has lost 97% of its tree cover, with green space reduced from 70% to 2% over five decades. The city’s wetlands have been similarly decimated, and over 95% of the area is now concretised, transforming Bengaluru from a 'Garden City' to a 'Concrete Desert.'

Activists demand an immediate halt to tree felling and the adoption of a more sustainable development approach. They call for the establishment of a Metropolitan Planning Committee to create a holistic master plan for Bengaluru, integrating ecologically sound practices and sustainable mobility solutions.

The government has been urged to prioritise public transport and reduce reliance on private vehicles to mitigate further environmental harm. In response to these concerns, KRIDE, the organisation leading the BSRP, has committed itself to sustainable urban development.

KRIDE plans to plant ten trees for every tree removed, implement rainwater harvesting, and install solar panels across all 58 BSRP stations to reduce the project's carbon footprint.

The project will adhere to Indian Green Building Council standards to ensure energy and resource efficiency, it said. Despite the need for tree removal, KRIDE aims to minimise environmental damage by prioritising the felling of non-desirable species and maximising transplantation and compensatory planting.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) oversees treecutting permissions and compensatory measures, with thorough site inspections by the Tree Expert Committee. KRIDE has also deposited funds for compensatory tree plantation.