Bengaluru: Tree felling in Jayamahal draws protesters

Bengaluru: Owing to the lack of response from the BBMP officials regarding the objections raised against the felling of trees to widen the Jayamahal road, members of activist group Citizens for Bangalore and local residents gathered on Palace Road on Monday to seek explanations from authorities. They arrived at the scene after being informed by the media sources about the commencement of the road-widening process. However, no officials or workers were present at the site.

"Our primary concerns are the continuous neglect towards the 30,000 objections filed by the citizens which is why we are here to demand answers. We also have doubts regarding the practicality of this project as it will lead to an increase in traffic, creating further bottleneck situations at the crucial ends of the road," said Yogesh, member of Citizens for Bangalore.

Residents said that the Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) had proposed the translocation of 5-6 trees to a compound 500 metres away from the original locations. However, sources reveal that a proposal for translocating 70 trees has already been passed and the work is underway.

Tushar Kapila questioned the feasibility of the project as the BBMP has no prior experience in translocating trees. He said that neither BBMP officials nor the Bangalore Development Minister. K. J. George has come forward so far to hold talks regarding their issues, causing further uncertainty about the cause.

"The roadblocks can be resolved with simpler solutions instead of felling and relocating trees. Filling potholes, creating parking space for vehicles, shifting the street vendors to the inner parts of the land are possible counter measures", said Ashwini, a local resident. The citizens further suggested the transfer of funds to long-term measures like incentivising public transport and discourage the use of private vehicles to resolve the traffic issue.