BENGALURU: Members of various citizen groups and residents of South Bengaluru slammed BBMP and Metro authorities for turning Kanakapura Road into a concrete jungle, and not leaving any space to plant trees.
Taking part in a public consultation meeting with the Forest Cell of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) recently on cutting of trees for the Metro Phase 2 work, the residents of JP Nagar 8th Phase and surrounding areas demanded that BMRCL bring back greenery on Kanakpura Road, which has been concretised between Sarakki Junction and Nice Road Junction, leaving very limited space for trees.
Residents said that the cement bed work on the footpaths should be stopped and provision should be made for growing trees by creating pits.
“As Metro lines snakes their way across the length and breadth of the city turning several neighbourhoods into beehives of construction activity, commuting has become a daunting task. We know that in the long run, the project will benefit the city, but motorists and pedestrians are now grappling with congestion, potholes and damaged footpaths. We demand that the authorities bring back the green look to the popular Kanakpura Road, because we have grown up seeing tall trees on this road and now it has been turned into a long cemented stretch. BMRCL should take some time and provide a place for planting trees,” said Ms Prakruthi B., a resident of JP Nagar 8th Phase.
The activists put a condition that the authorities conduct a census of the trees that are going to be cut and provide a layout of the project. Though the authorities had agreed to it, they have not provided the documents. When a public property is taken over for such projects, residents should be informed about the plan, the residents said.
“The condition has worsened on Kanakpura Road. Even after several complaints, the stretch has not been repaired, and it takes a lot of time commuting on this road. We want to bring back greenery to Kanakpura Road by planting trees at the centre of the road from Sarakki Junction to Nice Road Junction which will give a good look for the road,” said Mr Gautham C., a regular commuter.
But BMRCL officials, who had a different take, said they are keeping track of the greenery on the Metro work area. “We have been providing a place for planting trees and we will continue with it. On Kanakpura Road, we will speak to BBMP official and act immediately,” a senior BMRCL official told Deccan Chronicle.
