Mysuru: Environmentalists have urged authorities to explore measures to save as many trees as possible at the BEML campus in Mysuru, where 137 trees have been identified for clearance for the construction of an Occupational Health Center (OHC). A team of environmental activists visited the site and interacted with officials to examine possibilities of preserving some trees and relocating others instead of removing them entirely.
Trees identified for proposed health centre project
The proposed tree clearance follows an application submitted by BEML seeking permission to remove trees for the construction of a new Occupational Health Center within its campus.
According to officials, the Forest Department has issued a public notification under the Karnataka Tree Protection Act, 1976, as amended in 2014, and invited objections or responses from the public regarding the proposal.
The notification has requested members of the public to submit their responses before the stipulated deadline.
Authorities have identified a total of 137 trees of different species for removal as part of the proposed development work.
The trees include 47 teak trees, 13 acacia trees, 10 mahogany trees, 50 wild trees, nine Peltophorum trees, six silver trees and one tree each of Orchid and Indian Beech (Honge).
BEML explains need for Occupational Health Center
Officials from BEML stated that the proposed Occupational Health Center is an important requirement under the Karnataka Factories Rules and also for compliance with ISO 45001 occupational health and safety standards.
BEML officials, including General Manager Sudhakar Shave and Chief Medical Officer Dr Milcha Maria Valentine, explained that the Mysuru complex spreads across approximately 450 acres and serves key sectors including defence, railways, power, mining and infrastructure.
According to the officials, the current health centre facility is comparatively small, measuring approximately 15 feet by 30 feet, despite serving around 1,890 employees, including contract workers and trainees.
They stated that the proposed new facility will be significantly larger, measuring around 81 feet by 32 feet, and will improve occupational healthcare services and emergency response capabilities.
Officials said the location close to the KRS main road and campus entrance was selected to provide quicker access for emergency situations and facilitate transportation of patients to larger hospitals when required.
They also stated that some alternative locations within the campus were considered less suitable because of concerns including leopard movement in certain areas.
Environmentalists call for balanced approach
Members of environmental group Parisarakkaagi Naavu visited the site to assess the situation and discuss possible alternatives with officials.
The team included Parashuramegowda, Ravi Bale, Vishwanath, Bhanu Prashanth and Sudhir Ganapathi.
Parashuramegowda stated that the group had decided not to oppose the health centre project itself but had appealed for measures to reduce the environmental impact.
According to him, the activists suggested preserving between 20 and 40 trees wherever feasible and relocating trees that can be safely translocated.
The group also urged authorities to maintain biodiversity and recommended that at least 10 saplings should be planted to compensate for every tree removed.
Public invited to submit objections
Forest officials have already conducted a site inspection and prepared a list of the identified trees after receiving the application from BEML authorities.
Members of the public have been invited to submit written responses or objections regarding the proposal.
Officials said responses can be submitted to the designated Forest Department office as part of the public consultation process.
The issue has brought attention to balancing developmental requirements with environmental concerns, with both officials and environmental groups indicating support for a solution that safeguards public needs while minimising ecological impact.