188 trees to make way for Whitefield metro

The BMRCL had enumerated 238 trees in the area

As many as 135 trees will be cut and 53 others will be translocated to clear the way for the construction of the metro line and depot at the Kadugodi plantation area, part of the Reach 1 extension from Baiyappanahalli to Whitefield.

The 15.257-km line with 13 stations is being built by ITD Cementation India, while Vascon Engineers have been awarded the contract to build the depot at Kadugodi.

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) had enumerated 238 trees in the area, of which 195 were sought to be removed. The Tree Expert Committee inspected and reviewed the submission along with the report by the tree officer.

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Interestingly, following the notice inviting suggestions of the public, the Deputy Conservator of Forests, BBMP, who is the tree officer, received only four objections. The committee reviewed the objections before making recommendations.

The tree officer stated that seven trees will be retained, while 188 will make way for the project, including 135 trees to be cut down. The order will come into effect in the next 15 days.

The permission comes as a major boost to the project, which will connect the IT corridor in the east. Once commissioned, the project is expected to benefit lakhs of people who travel to the area daily before work-from-home became the new norm.

Major works cited for the removal of trees were the construction of buildings for workshops and administrative block (52 trees), track alignment (50) and formation of new roads in the depot (31).