We need trees, not underpass'

We need trees, not underpass'

Students from IISc and NIAS team up with social activists to protest tree-felling at CNR Rao Junction

DNA Correspondent. Bangalore



Activists from various groups such as Hasire Usiru, Environment Security Group and Sanmati as well as students and faculty members of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the adjoining National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) came together on Thursday to stage a one-hour protest against the felling of trees at the CNR Rao Junction, where the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) plans to build an underpass.
"Tree cutting has become a casual affair these days. Instead of destroying the city's greenery, the BBMP should try controlling the use of private vehicles and promote public transportation. Felling trees is a very short-term as well as harmful solution to the traffic problem," Atul Choksi, a faculty member of the IISc, said.
As many as 60 persons gathered at the circle around 5.30 pm on Thursday and shouted slogans such as Dhikkara dhikkara BBMPge dhikkara, beda beda underpass beda (we don't want underpass) even as the mildly-amused workers continued to chop down the trees. The BBMP plans to cut around 123 trees near CNR Rao Circle.