HC allows pruning of trees on CMH Road

HC allows pruning of trees on CMH Road
DH News service, Bangalore:
The High Court on Tuesday permitted the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to carry on tree pruning operations on CMH Road, while modifying its earlier restraint order against cutting or removing trees on the road.


Mr Justice Anand Byra Reddy who heard a writ petition filed by the CMH Shops & Establishments and Residents Association and a few others challenging the Metro alignment through CMH Road, passed an interim order to this effect.

This was after the judge noted the BMRCL’s assurance that no tree on the road would be removed but for pruning some trees. On February 4, the judge had passed an interim order against cutting and removing of trees on the road till February 14, following the petitioners’ apprehension of tree felling.

At the hearing on Tuesday, BMRCL counsel R N Narasimha Murthy said that owing to the Court’s interim order, the BMRCL had instructed the Forest department, entrusted with the contract of tree pruning, to stop the work. As a result, the Corporation would have to bear the penalty by paying the contracted amount without any work being executed, he said. Except pruning some trees, no trees would be cut and removed, he assured the court while seeking permission for carrying out tree pruning operations on CMH Road.

While permitting tree pruning operations, the court posted the petition to February 18, 2008 for final disposal.
The judge also noted that the main issue for consideration was whether BMRCL was justified in choosing the Metro alignment through CMH Road. The petitioners have contended that an alternative alignment via Old Madras Road is more feasible.