Tree-mendous: Govt bows down to Lalbagh lovers

Tree-mendous: Govt bows down to Lalbagh lovers

Metro project on Lalbagh stretch stalled, overhead alignment plan to be re-examined after polls

Hemanth Kumar. Bangalore



Lalbagh's green cover is safe for now. On Sunday, the state government forced the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to climb down from its decision to chop trees at Lalbagh for its overhead alignment. All permissions given for tree cutting in the area have been put on hold till the elections.
"I have instructed the BMRCL to stop work and not cut any more trees till the Lok Sabha polls are over," minister in-charge of Bangalore City R Ashok told DNA.
The BMRCL's decision to chop trees in the green area had led to a huge outcry. The move is being seen as a big win for citizens and green activists of the city, who, along with DNA, had been opposing BMRCL's plan to destroy the heritage zone. Ashok assured that all options, including a change in alignment, will be considered before going ahead with the work. "We will take a relook at the Lalbagh project after the polls as we cannot take any executive decision in this regard when the election code of conduct is in force," he said.
The activists also got a big boost when Bangalore South's BJP candidate Ananth Kumar, in his 3-year action plan for the city, assured "protection for the city's green cover."
"Rampant tree felling will be stopped and all alternatives will be explored. A heritage policy and law will be enacted," Kumar said.