Citizens' rally to save trees near veterinary hospital

Keeping up the fight for lung spaces and greenery in the city, citizens gathered on Sunday morning at the Government Veterinary Hospital on Queen’s Road to protest the BBMP’s plan to axe trees on the hospital premises.

The Animal Husbandry department of BBMP has proposed to demolish the century-old clinic and build a two-storeyed multi-speciality hospital in its place. On Sunday, the forum ‘Knights for Queens’ gathered at the spot to raise their concerns about the possibility of trees on the premises, some of which are believed to be at least 100 years old, being felled.

Over 200 people took part in the ‘Celebrate, Create, Cry’ event. Children participated in storytelling and poetry sessions. Eco-friendly clothes designed by stylist Prasad Bidapa were displayed by models.

Artist Bakula Nayak engaged children in a nature-themed art camp. Aparna Raman, founder of a children’s publishing house, helped children write letters to the trees, thanking them for their gifts.

Priya-Chetty Rajagopal, who is at the forefront of the movement, said, “We want to make sure that the plan for the new hospital is such that the trees don’t have to be cut. We look forward to working with the Animal Husbandry department to find a solution.” Architect Naresh Narasimhan has offered to help the BBMP design such a building plan, she said.

The group is also concerned about the Animal Birth Control centre, run by NGO Sarvodaya, being asked to shift its premises to Jakkur.