'State govt should explore alternative options for Metro'

The route can run through Jayanagar shopping complex to save trees

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) managing director N Sivasailam and Jayanagar MLA B N Vijayakumar joined the inspection to clarify apprehension on the number of trees that would be felled and the exact location of the proposed ‘Namma Metro’ stations.

“A mass transit system is very much required for Bangalore. The present mess is the offshoot of indifference displayed by various governments over the past two decades,” remarked Prof B K Chandrashekar, former Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council, who was present on the occasion.

Sivasailam, who explained the Metro route with the help of maps, refused to get into a debate on the alignment. He said that the decision on alignment was taken by Centre and State governments and BMRCL is only implementing the project after securing approval from the Cabinet.

Clarifying that the issue is open to debate, legislator B N Vijaykumar said he would do everything within his means to represent the grievances of the public at any level including Chief Minister. “People can visit the BMRCL office and seek any clarification on the project” he added.

Parallel meet

However, Hasiru Usiru members staged a parallel meet raising slogans against BMRCL. Vinay Srinivasa from the NGO said, “The government has not explored the option of constructing the southern reach of the Metro through an alternative alignment that runs through the Jayanagar shopping centre, thus completely avoiding the need to destroy precious heritage park zones. This alternative alignment has been considered more viable in the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of Bangalore Metro, as it also allows for expansion to Electronics city and Banashankari in future, and without destroying portions of Lalbag and Lakshman Rao Park”

Meanwhile, Jayakarnataka organised a signature campaign at the JSS College campus, Jayanagar 8th Block to oppose any deforestation due to Metro Rail project in the City. Thousands of students took part in the campaign.