The High Court of Karnataka has intervened to halt the felling of 788 trees earmarked for the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project’s (BSRP) corridor-2, spanning from Benniganahalli to Chikkabanavara railway stations. The court’s interim order, effective until July 12, follows a petition challenging a permission granted by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to remove these trees.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice N.V. Anjaria and Justice K.V. Aravind issued the order during proceedings on a PIL filed by Dattatraya T. Devare and Bangalore Environment Trust, highlighting concerns over the implementation of the Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act, 1976. The petitioners contested a May 29 notification from BBMP that sanctioned tree removal for the railway project.
In response to the petitioners’ application, which raised objections to the notification, the Bench restrained BBMP from allowing any tree felling until further orders. The court adjourned the hearing to July 8, granting BBMP time to submit its response.
Initially, Rail Infrastructure Development (Karnataka) Ltd. (K-RIDE), overseeing the BSRP implementation, sought permission to fell approximately 1,200 trees along the existing railway track. Following directions from the High Court, a Technical Expert Committee reviewed the proposal, declining permission for 493 trees while approving the removal of 788 trees. This approval includes felling 699 trees and translocating the remaining specimens.
The temporary injunction underscores the complex balance between infrastructure development and environmental preservation in urban projects. The BSRP aims to enhance Bengaluru’s commuter rail network, alleviating congestion and enhancing connectivity across key suburban corridors.
As legal proceedings unfold, stakeholders await the July 12 hearing to determine the fate of the tree removals crucial for advancing the railway project. The decision will pivot on regulatory compliance, environmental considerations, and the broader implications for sustainable urban development in Bengaluru.
