Palace Road trees to face axe, after all!

BBMP reneges on relocation plan
Palace Road trees to face axe, after all!
DH News Service, Bangalore:
When asked on the relocation of trees on Palace Road, Deputy Conservator of Forests (BBMP) Krishna Udupudi said it was a difficult task as most of the trees on the road were large in size.


With the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike set to kick off the widening of Palace Road, old trees will soon be off the road.

BBMP had earlier proposed safeguarding a few trees on the road by retaining them on dedicated lanes for two-wheelers and autorickshaws. However, it has now gone back on the decision, contending that the road-widening would not yield the desired results, unless all trees are removed.

Deputy Conservator of Forests (BBMP) Krishna Udupudi said, “Earlier, we had thought of safeguarding at least a few trees by setting up dedicated lanes. But it did not work out. The engineers suggested that unless trees are removed completely, widening of the roads will not serve the purpose.”

When asked on the relocation of trees on Palace Road, Mr Udupudi said it was a difficult task as most of the trees on the road were large in size.

“However, we will try to relocate them. When we relocate big trees, the rate of success will be less as removing the roots without causing much damage to them is difficult. But we will make all the efforts,” he said.

No relocation

The Palike has given up relocation of 42 trees which were recently cut to make way for widening of the road. The Palike officers had said that they would relocate them at the Indira Gandhi Musical Fountain on Raj Bhavan Road.

Mr Udupudi said the Palike could not execute its plan as a 11 kv power line passed below the ground. “KPTCL has informed us about the power line. It is difficult to separate roots, when there is a power line,” he said.

However, he said relocation of nine trees that were coming in the way of the Metro Rail project on MG Road had been successful. Of the nine trees relocated in Manekshaw Parade Ground, six have shown signs of growth.

“As of now, the relocated trees are in good condition. We may have to wait for another 20 days to assess the success,” he said.

The first tree was relocated on May 27. During May 30 and 31, five others were relocated and the remaining three were shifted on June 11.

“The trees which were relocated earlier have shown good signs and fresh leaves have come up. However, those relocated later need more time to show growth,” said G Govardhan, trustee and administrator of Bangalore Environment Trust.

The trust had taken up the relocation of trees in association with BMRCL, BBMP and Chennai-based Masterplan Consultants.