BBMP approves felling of 14 trees at golf club premises

Bengaluru: The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has authorised the removal of 14 trees within the Bangalore Golf Club (BGC) grounds, citing that about half of them are unhealthy, while the rest are either in a dangerous condition or have dried up.

However, some members have raised concerns, alleging that the civic body has been "extra generous" and that the club management has also cut down healthy trees.

On April 3, the BGC submitted a request to the Public Works Department (PWD), which has leased about 60 acres to the club, seeking permission to remove branches from 30 trees. The PWD forwarded this request to the BBMP’s zonal forest office.

Following the request, BBMP forest officers inspected the site and subsequently approved trimming for three trees, removal of branches from one tree, chopping 16 trees in half, and complete removal of 14 trees.

Among the trees approved for removal were species such as Neelgiri, Akasha Mallige, and Silver Oak. The BBMP has mandated the planting of 10 new saplings as compensation for each tree felled.

While the club management defended its actions, stating it followed the BBMP’s instructions and obtained permission for all necessary tree removals, some members allege that healthy trees were cut to improve sunlight exposure for the golf course’s grass.

After the unhealthy trees were removed, a section of members challenged the BBMP’s order by writing to the appellate authority, seeking a stay on further proceedings.