Bangalore University.
Credit: DH Photo
Bengaluru: Bangalore University (BU) has received over 600 objections to its proposal to cut more than 400 trees at the Jnanabharathi campus for constructing an academic and research block.
The varsity recently issued a public notice through the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) forest wing, seeking permission to axe 419 trees in survey number 6.
In response, environmentalists, activists, and citizens filed objections, urging the BBMP to deny permission for the enumeration of trees.
Activists claimed the proposed site contains heritage trees and is home to over 160 birds and butterfly species.
However, BU stated that most trees at the site are eucalyptus, neither rare nor part of the campus’s bio-park zone.
"We will address the objections with scientific reports on the tree species at the site,” said Dr Jayakara SM, Vice-Chancellor, BU. "The university remains committed to student-focused, environmentally conscious infrastructure, and has planted six lakh saplings across the campus while maintaining a well-developed bio-park."
The proposed academic and research block is planned over 1,07,376 sqft and 16,163 sqft, respectively, using Rs 100 crore sanctioned under the Prime Minister Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) scheme. The university risks losing the funds if construction does not begin within the stipulated period.