A big thumbs down to tree-felling for steel flyover

Civil society on Sunday upped the ante against the marking of trees to be felled, to make way for the proposed steel flyover between Basaveshwara Circle and Mehkri Circle.

Hundreds of members from various green outfits took to the streets in protest against the move to fell trees in the heart of Bengaluru. The not-for-profit, Citizens for Bengaluru (CfB) launched a campaign, #MaraHatyeTadeYojane, urging the government not to cut trees down for the project.

“In solidarity with our beloved trees, we have gathered in peaceful protest. The government is keen to announce yojanes that will destroy the precious green cover. In response, we would like to commit ourselves to a #MaraHatyeThadeYojane,” said Srinivas Alavilli, co-founder of CfB.

DH had reported the marking of 144 full-grown trees along the stretch. The sudden move had drawn stiff opposition from all quarters with conservationists and environmentalists raising their voice against the project.

CfB has also launched a postcard campaign against the marking of trees. More than 5,000 postcards have been sent to the Chief Minister in this regard.

“Last week, 144 trees have been marked for felling on the Ballari Road by KRDCL, according to media reports. Since the KRDCL is the nodal agency for implementing the proposed elevated corridor project, it appears that the agency is making preparations for cutting the trees down. However, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is not done and there is no environmental clearance for the project,” Alavilli of CfB added.

“There is massive public opposition as well because alternatives that do not involve killing trees such as public transport are not being considered. The BBMP has not given any permission to cut these trees. The marking of these trees is seen as a disregard for the rule of law and to public sentiment,” said a CfB member.