Metro project: NGO gives legal notice to BMRCL

Metro project: NGO gives legal notice to BMRCL
Bangalore, DH News Service:
After all the protests and human chain formation on Wednesday evening, members of Hasire Usiru and supporters on Thursday sent a legal notice to BMRCL.

They alleged that it was a violation of the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act and Karnataka Tree Preservation Act. According to Hasire Usiru, BMRCL did not have the permission to uproot trees without the approval of the concerned tree officer and the public as per High Court order.

“Though BMRCL has been alloted a portion of Lal Bagh for Metro, BMRCL still need permission from tree officers and the public as per the High court orders”, said Vinay, a member.

As per the estimation, around 20 eucalyptus trees inside Lal Bagh premises and around 323 trees on RV Road will have to be uprooted for the proposed Metro station construction.


On the other hand, BMRCL officials maintained they had already received permission from the Government to acquire 1,135 sq ft of Lal Bagh for metro project but not the permission for uprooting trees.

BMRCL MD Shivashylam says, "We have already received the order two months ago and accordingly we have just started work now. We do not need any other permission". He added that they would be using just 930 sq ft out of the total permitted area". BBMP Tree Officer Bangalore South Venkateshappa said that permission has not been accorded yet to fell trees around RV Road - Lal Bagh area. BMRCL officials however said that they have addressed BBMP Commissioner on felling the trees.