Bengaluru: As many as 1,128 trees are proposed to be felled for a 2.3-km tunnel road project at Hebbal, Bengaluru, with the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) inviting objections and suggestions from the public over the proposal.

The project, being taken up by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), involves a three-lane, bi-directional underground road intended to connect Hebbal Junction with the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) staff quarters through the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (KVAFSU).

GBA invites public objections

The GBA has issued a public notice seeking objections and suggestions regarding the proposed tree removal. The notice was issued by the GBA Tree Officer and Deputy Conservator of Forests on behalf of the BDA.

According to the notice, the trees identified for removal fall within the proposed project area and are required to be cleared for construction of the underground twin tunnels.

The number of trees proposed to be removed has drawn attention because the tunnel is planned over a relatively short stretch of 2.3 km.

Tunnel to connect Hebbal Junction and UAS quarters

The proposed tunnel road is intended to provide an underground connection between Hebbal Junction and the UAS staff quarters.

The route will pass through the KVAFSU campus area before reaching the UAS staff quarters. The project is being developed as a short tunnel road with twin underground tunnels designed to carry traffic in both directions.

Work is already in progress on the BDA’s short tunnel road project at Hebbal.

The proposed alignment forms part of efforts to improve connectivity around the heavily trafficked Hebbal area, where road congestion has been a longstanding concern.

Hebbal Lake land included in project

The project also involves land in the Hebbal Lake area.

Earlier, the Bengaluru North City Corporation had agreed to part with around 3.5 acres of land in the Hebbal Lake area for the project.

The use of land in and around the lake has been among the issues surrounding the tunnel proposal, particularly given the environmental sensitivity of the area.

Project challenged in Karnataka High Court

The proposed tunnel road is also facing legal challenges.

The project has already been challenged before the Karnataka High Court on multiple grounds. The court proceedings are separate from the current process of inviting objections and suggestions on the proposed tree felling.

The public notice gives citizens an opportunity to raise concerns about the removal of trees before the proposal is taken forward under the applicable process.

Tree felling proposal draws focus

The proposal to remove 1,128 trees has put the environmental implications of the tunnel project under renewed focus.

The trees are located within the area identified for the proposed underground twin tunnels. Their removal is being sought to facilitate construction of the 2.3-km tunnel road.

For a project covering a relatively short distance, the scale of the proposed tree removal is significant and is likely to be a key issue in the objections submitted by members of the public.

The project authorities will have to consider the objections and suggestions received as part of the statutory process concerning the proposed removal of the trees.

The development comes as Bengaluru continues to pursue major road and tunnel projects aimed at easing traffic congestion, while facing growing scrutiny over the environmental impact of infrastructure construction.