Despite HC order, Tree Authority exists only on paper

Do you know how many trees or how much green space Bengaluru has lost in the recent years to make way for high-rise buildings and infrastructure projects? Even the government does not know the answer as the Tree Authority exists only on paper.

The High Court, hearing a writ petition (No 7288 of 2011) filed under Article 226 of the Constitution, had ordered the government to constitute a Tree Authority as mandated under section 3 of the Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act, 1976. The Authority should closely examine every tree before it is felled, the court had ruled. The aim was to ensure transparency, reduce pollution and maintain greenery.

But the order has not been followed in earnest. The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) did form two committees, for Bangalore North and South, but they have not met even once till date. Heavy workload and shortage of staff have been cited as the reason.
Brijesh Kumar, Chief Conservator of Forests, BBMP, said that the committees were headed by Assistant Conservator of Forests, North and South. BBMP officials and members of civil society are also part of the committees.

Environmentalist A N Yella­ppa Reddy said it was the government’s job to make the Tree Authority functional. The BBMP commissioner, the mayor and chief engineers are also supposed to be part of the Authority. Reddy lamented that at a time when there were concerns about the shrinking lung space, the Authority which had the power to restore greenery and stop felling of trees remained only on paper. Despite having designated government officials as members, the committees hasn’t held a single meeting, he noted.
According to Environment Support Group Coordinator Leo Saldanha, once this committee is said to have been formed, all previous committees should cease to function.

If sources are to be believed, a lot of money changes hands when a tree is chopped and sold, hence nobody wants to be a part of such a committee. Unless citizens pressure the government, no committee will be formed and no action taken. The situation is so worrisome that people were harassed when they tried to stop the officials and the contractor from axing trees.