In HC, BMRCL defends cutting trees

In HC, BMRCL defends cutting trees


Express News Service
First Published : 20 May 2009 08:15:55 AM IST
Last Updated : 20 May 2009 10:13:15 AM IST

BANGALORE: Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) justified its stand in the High Court Tuesday on cutting of trees on Lalbagh Road for implementing metro project.

In its objections, BMRCL stated that 188 trees would be cut and 202 trees would be pruned from K R Road stretch to R V Road terminal. After obtaining permission from BBMP, the trees would be cut.

“To cut eucalyptus trees on Lalbagh Road, permission is not necessary,” BMRCL said.

The trees have been felled only based on the specific project, which is neither arbitrary or illegal. The claim of the petitioner that the railway station at Lalbagh would destroy the vegetation and bird life only surmises and is without any basis, BMRCL clarified.

“The extent of damage is extremely negligible in the project which is undertaken for the benefit of the public.

not be overlooked while examining the grievances of the petitioner,” it argued.

There is no proposal for creating parking zone and malls in the Lalbagh station.

The project is being implemented in a fair and lawful manner and grant of interim order should not be considered, BMRCL requested.

The metro project covers a length of 33 kilometres in two corridors at an estimated cost of Rs 6,395 crore in five years, BMRCL stated. The Lalbagh garden spreads over 242 acres. Out of this, 1,135 square metres have been identified for Metro station, which is only 0.12 per cent of its area, BMRCL said.

Meanwhile, one more petition was filed in the High Court challenging the act of Metro on cutting trees on Lalbagh road. Environmental Support Group, a city-based NGO and others have filed the writ petition. After hearing the petition, a division bench headed by Justice N K Patil issued notice to the government and BMRCL.