23 OR 323?

23 OR 323?
There are contradictory accounts on how many trees in Lalbagh will make way for Namma Metro. TOI gives a low-down on what the stakeholders say about the controversy surrounding the Rs 10,000-crore project, which is making headlines
Jayashree Nandi & Aarthi R | TNN

Bangalore: How many trees will be felled at Lalbagh? Nobody knows. BMRC maintains not more than 23 are at risk of being axed to make way for Namma Metro. At the same time BMRC itself, in reply to an RTI application, said 323 trees will have to make way on the R V Road stretch along Lalbagh. Interestingly, the BBMP’s tree officer, whose permission has to be obtained for felling the trees, has no idea.
Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation
As far as Lalbagh is concerned, only a narrow strip has been handed over for the project. A majority of the 23 trees, part of that strip, will be retained.
“Most of them are eucalyptus trees. The space has not been given for any commercial activity, but public convenience. Ramps and winding stairs for the station will be constructed here. We will cut trees only if required,” a BMRC spokesperson told TOI.
He said the Metro alignment was planned after detailed discussions of various alternatives, and a feasibility study depending on site conditions and sub-soil terrain.
BMRC chairman and Union urban development ministry secretary Ramachandran said the alignment was after a detailed study and approval by the central and state governments. An underground station is an expensive proposition. A Metro with zig-zag alignment is not possible and nothing can be changed now, he added.
Horticulture department
“Under normal circumstances, we don’t allow any development activities around Lalbagh. But, this was an exceptional case as there was no way out for the Metro. Further, it was a decision taken at the highest level in the government and we have done our duty,” said Lalbagh’s director of horticulture department G K Vasanthkumar.
Green activists
Even as the BMRC confirms only a few eucalyptus trees will be cut in Lalbagh, Hasiru Usiru activists fear many more will face the axe. At least four trees that have been numbered are non-eucalyptus. “For the R V Road stretch, BMRC initially said they will only prune the trees. Later, information obtained under RTI revealed they will cut 323 trees. Early this month, the government issued a change in the Bangalore masterplan, saying there will be multi-storied parking lots and shopping complexes around Metro stations. If the station has to come up in that manner, it will require space and more trees to be cut,” said ALF advocate Prashant Iyengar.
He added that the government passed an ordinance for acquiring land from Lalbagh. No permission has been obtained yet on cutting these trees from the BBMP tree officer, who is another crucial stakeholder.
WHAT THEY SAY
It’s sad that we need progress and also greenery. However, considering the transportation challenges, we need to make some compromise. Further, if the issue is about eucalyptus trees, they are not that rare a species and were only brought in during Tipu Sultan’s rule to drain out water from flooded areas. But, yes, the traditionally valuable trees should be preserved without doubt. The authorities must also look at compensatory forestation in the peripheral areas. Nagesh Hegde | ENVIRONMENTALIST
After demolition of the Lalbagh’s compound wall, environment groups, like-minded citizens and politicians have woken up. Trees and heritage sites have to be protected, and it is the duty of every citizen and government to preserve them. When such a major deforestation drive is taking place on R V Road, why didn’t BMRC conduct public hearings? There is no doubt that Bangalore needs alternative modes of transportation, but not at the cost of environment. I hope the government works out a practical solution through a meeting involving RWAs, citizens and environment groups, besides the elected representatives, ABIDe and BMRC officials. N Mukund | JAYANAGAR RWA
LALBAGH & METRO TOTAL AREA: 240 acres LAND UNDER METRO: 1,138.18 sq mt NUMBER OF TREES UNDER METRO: 23 (eucalyptus), as per BMRC; 323 (as per information obtained under RTI Act)