140 trees face axe as Palike plans to build new road

The BBMP’s plan to build a one-kilometre road connecting Whitefield with Outer Ring Road from Hope Farm Junction to ECC Road Junction has attracted criticism as it will lead to the axing of 140 trees, acquisition of an orphanage, a school and a portion of a lake.

Palike sources said the construction of the road has become inevitable as it will act as an alternative route for people frequently travelling on Old Madras Road and Old Airport Road.

“The road will spare commuters from travelling nine kilometres to reach Whitefield from Old Madras Road and Old Airport Road. This road was planned in 2006 when the Revised Master Plan was prepared after consulting people. So there is no need for any public consultation again,” said a BBMP engineer.

The Palike has already started working on the project by chopping many trees and marking the buildings to be demolished.

The authorities of St Joseph Convent are taken aback by the sudden turn of events. The school management, in 1930, constructed a new building a few years ago, which will be partially demolished if the project is implemented. The orphanage managed by the Holy Cross Sisters will also be razed.

Members of Whitefield Rising are disappointed with the project. One of the members of the group said there are at least seven routes from Old Airport Road and Old Madras Road that lead to Whitefield Main Road.

“These roads are enough to minimise the travel time. There was no need for a new road. Nobody knows better than the residents of Whitefield as to which road is better. There seems to be some ulterior motives,” said a resident.