Drop metro station, spare 80 trees, say citizens

Citizens urged the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to tweak its plan to build two metro stations within 880 metres at Vellara Junction for Gottigere-Nagavara metro line in Phase 2.

A group of citizens, under the banner of United Conservation Movement, met BMRCL Managing Director Ajay Seth on Friday, requesting him to save the trees.

“Many of these trees are nearly 150 years old and nurture 30 species of birds, including the rarely seen Paradise Flycatchers. Now officials want to cut them to build two metro stations within 877.32 metres,” said Joseph Hoover of the movement.

However, the BMRCL expressed helplessness. The project has already been delayed due to cancellation of the first round of tenders last year as the bidders quoted about 70% more than the cost estimated by the corporation. “The trees will basically make way for a workshop, not even a station. We urged the official to at least shift the work yard. He said it was difficult but assured us of relocating them,” Hoover said.

Members of the movement, however, asked why the BMRCL has not been consulting people at the design stage. Metro is being built for people, isn’t it logical to get people’s opinion on the project? they asked.

The members of the movement told the corporation that it was easier to relocate the workshop rather than translocating 80 trees, most of which will not survive the process.