We are planting more trees in Lalbagh now

We are planting more trees in Lalbagh now

Bosky Khanna



The entire city is furious with Namma Metro officials and the government for their decision to fell trees in Lalbagh, the city's biggest lung space and heritage tourism destination, in the name of development. Citizens are wondering why horticulture department officials have not taken any steps to stop the metro work at this place. Horticulture Department director Dr G K Vasanth Kumar spoke to Bosky Khanna on the issue.

Lalbagh is a heritage site like Cubbon Park. No construction work can take place in and around it. In that case, how was permission granted to BMRCL to fell trees here?
The horticulture department has no say in the issue. The cabinet made this decision after passing an ordinance. Since Lalbagh is a heritage site and is protected under the Parks Act, the government took nearly eight to nine months to decide upon the issue. Only after this did the government decide to hand over a small portion of Lalbagh for the metro work. No government until now has touched Lalbagh. But this time it was a necessity that forced them to do so. There is a need to enhance urban infrastructure and ease traffic congestion.

Can the horticulture department now do something to stop the work and save Lalbagh from going under the axe?
The department officials here are not vested with such powers where we can stop the metro rail work at Lalbagh. It is not in my purview to make this decision. All we are doing now is planting more trees in the campus just to make up for the loss through the metro work. Around 32 acres of land has been identified near the rock areas where trees will be planted. This is all that we can do. As the decision has been taken by the highest authorities, no action can be taken.

How do you feel about the cutting of the eucalyptus trees, or felling of any tree for that matter?
I am against the cutting of trees. Eucalyptus trees are very hardy and are difficult to replace. As a citizen, I feel that every tree should be protected as they have life saving values. They not only give shelter, but they also possess medicinal properties and help replenish ground water. Trees are not only timber with a price tag, but they are also the lifelines of the city. In order to protect them it is important that adequate planning is done for the city's growth.

Is this the only instance where Lalbagh faces a threat, or have there been similar cases in the past?
There have been instances in the past where officials from various civic agencies have approached us seeking space for various projects. A week ago, officials from the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) approached us asking for space near MTR hotel to widen the road to meet the increasing rush. We turned them away saying that Lalbagh is a heritage park and cannot be demolished. But metro was an exception, as we did not take a decision.