Citizens Raise Objections to Bengaluru Suburban Railway’s Tree Felling

Over 2,000 citizens have voiced their objections to the planned felling of nearly 33,000 trees for the construction of the Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project (BSRP) by the Rail Infrastructure Development Company-Karnataka (K-RIDE).

In a joint letter addressed to the Forest Department, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), and K-RIDE, NGOs Namma Bengaluru Foundation and Jhatkaa.org expressed concerns about the adverse ecological impact of the proposed tree felling.

The organisations emphasized the need for proper signal automation and track doubling within the existing railway network to kickstart the suburban rail project without significant tree loss.

They also called for a clear compensatory plantation strategy to mitigate the environmental impact, highlighting the importance of compliance with the Karnataka Tree Preservation Act, 1976.

Vinod Jacob of Namma Bengaluru Foundation stressed the importance of minimizing the ecological cost while acknowledging the project’s potential to enhance sustainable mobility.

Chiku Agarwal, Senior Engagement and Operations Associate at Jhatkaa.org, emphasized the need for making wise ecological decisions amidst urban development.

The Bengaluru Suburban Railway Project spans 148.17 kilometers, encompassing 58 stations and multiple multi-modal transport hubs, with a target completion date set for 2028.