As KRDCL cites new rules, axing of more trees approved

The committee assessed 1,227 trees located on the proposed construction of road

The expert committee of the University of Agricultural Sciences set up by the high court to look into the road-widening projects of the KRDCL has recommended to the court for the formation of a panel to monitor the status of transplanted trees.

The committee, which assessed 1,227 trees located on the proposed construction of road on Hoskote-Budigere Cross to the Kempegowda International Airport, had observed that the KRDCL has felled 238 trees before the assessment was taken up.

Following the previous assessment, the expert committee had suggested that 327 trees have to be retained on site, 319 had to be transplanted while 343 could be felled.

IRC guidelines

However, when the KRDCL sought changes, the committee took up reassessment of the same. This time, it considered the guidelines of the Indian Road Congress, which was not emphasised by the KRDCL.

As a result, the number of trees to be saved has been reduced. Of the 984 standing trees examined out of 1,227, the expert committee has suggested retaining 242 trees, transplanting 361 trees and felling 243 trees.