The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) have been cutting the roots of large, decades-old trees along the stretch from NR Colony Circle to Nettakallappa Circle, raising fears of potential tree falls.
The BBMP is currently conducting white-topping work on this stretch, while the BWSSB is laying underground drainage pipes. To accommodate the large pipes, road excavation has resulted in the cutting of roadside tree roots.
Local businessman Santosh expressed concern, stating, “Many large trees, including rain trees, line this road. Their roots have been damaged, with some major roots completely severed. This has weakened the trees, increasing the risk of them falling.”
Satyanarayana, a resident, voiced similar concerns: “These trees have provided shade and kept the area cool for years. Even in summer, this road remains pleasant. However, the white-topping work and root cutting for pipe installation may cause the trees to dry up. The BBMP or BWSSB should have planned better. Their negligence towards trees and the environment is alarming.”
Ashok from Thyagarajanagar added, “When the white-topping work began, we requested the engineers to protect the large trees. Despite this, roots have been carelessly damaged. The remaining roots should be safeguarded during further construction.”
In response, engineers overseeing the project stated, “We’re installing large pipes for the drainage system, which requires deep excavation. We can’t lay pipes haphazardly. In some places, small roots have been trimmed, but we’ve avoided damaging major roots. Pipes have been installed under or between roots. Instead of using saws or axes, we’ve drilled where necessary. We’ve also added soil around the trees and taken steps to protect them.”
This issue highlights the ongoing tension between urban development and environmental preservation in Bengaluru, with residents calling for more thoughtful consideration of the city’s green cover during infrastructure projects.