Tree felling: Hearing on Friday

However, the court refused to interfere in the vacation division bench order asking the authorities not to cut trees without permission from the Tree Officer.

Advocate General Udaya Holla told the court that Lalbagh and Basavanagudi stations were formed to cater to the needs of travelling public as the passengers need to alight and board the train. He said only 0.12% of Lalbagh land (less than 12 guntas) has been given to BMRCL.

The Advocate General said the Metro Rail project is necessary considering the clogged roads due to traffic density. He said the Metro Rail, being a cheaper and eco-friendly mode of transportation, is the need of the hour for the layman and cannot be put off or changed.

The petitioners Hasiru Usiru contended that the BMRCL should not proceed further without fulfiling the conditions imposed on them, such as payment of compensation at the rate of market value and other allied conditions.

The petitioners have also demanded that the BMRCL should compensate for the loss and until then there should not be any construction activity. The division bench then adjourned the matter to Thursday.

In another case, Justice Mohan Shantanagowdar reserved the judgement relating to land acquisition at Khaji Street in Basavanagudi area. The petitioner Zakirunissa had moved the High Court challenging the notification to acquire her building.