Jayanagar residents protest felling of trees to widen road

There seems to be no end to tree felling in the city. Whether it’s for road-widening or construction of Indira Canteens, many trees have been felled across Bengaluru.
In the latest instance, two healthy raintrees in front of the BWSSB office at 36th Cross in Jayanagar 4th ‘T’ Block were cut down recently to widen the road, angering local residents.

Praneeth Sargur, a resident of Jayanagar, demanded why the trees were felled when the road could have been widened around them. “They (BBMP) could have easily widened the road without cutting down these trees. There was enough space for vehicles. Tree felling was unnecessary,” he protested.

Another resident Jayaram K said: “The civic body has been permitting felling of trees without considering or evaluating the condition of the trees. If we, the residents, are so much concerned about a tree, what about forest department officials? They should be more responsible. Why are they so reckless towards old trees?”

‘Disturbing to see’

Vinay, a student who lives nearby, said the way the BBMP was cutting down trees in Bengaluru was disturbing. “I don’t think it’s thinking about the implications of tree felling. We have been reading about this quite a lot over the past few days and it is disturbing,” he said.

Puttaswamy Gowda, Deputy Range Forest Officer (South), BBMP, said the authorities had sought permission a few days ago before the trees were cut down. “A request to cut down the trees came from them and we approved it on August 3.”

BBMP officials were not available for comment.