Mysuru: Environmental groups are set to meet on Monday to decide their next course of action after the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Mysuru Territorial Division, granted permission to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to clear 350 trees for a flyover and underpass project at the junction of the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway (NH-275) and the Mysuru Ring Road.
The meeting, organised by the environmental collective Parisarakkaagi Naavu, will focus on monitoring the implementation of the tree translocation process and ensuring that compensatory plantation is carried out effectively. The development comes amid continued concerns over the environmental impact of the highway expansion project.
DCF grants conditional approval
Last week, DCF K. Paramesha permitted the NHAI to proceed with the tree clearance for the infrastructure project, subject to certain conditions.
Under the approval, seven trees are to be retained, while 278 trees will be translocated to parks in Bannimantap. Another 65 trees at the Ring Road junction have been permitted to be felled to facilitate the construction work.
As part of the compensatory measures, the DCF has also assured that environmental groups will be involved in planting 1,000 saplings at a park near the project site to offset the ecological impact.
The conditions are aimed at balancing infrastructure development with environmental conservation.
Environmentalists to monitor implementation
Members of Parisarakkaagi Naavu have welcomed the opportunity to participate in the monitoring process while reiterating their concerns over the loss of mature trees.
According to environmental activist Parashuramegowda, the organisation will hold a meeting at a park in Bannimantap on Monday at 10 am to discuss responsibilities among volunteers.
The group plans to assign members to oversee the translocation of trees and monitor the compensatory plantation drive to ensure that the commitments made by the authorities are implemented effectively.
Environmentalists have maintained that proper monitoring is essential to improve the survival rate of transplanted trees and to ensure that replacement saplings are maintained over the long term.
Experts suggested alternative designs
Before permission was granted, a team of experts, including Major General (Retd.) Sudhir G. Vombatkere, Ravishankar Bale and Mansoor Ahmed, inspected the project site and proposed alternative engineering solutions to minimise tree loss.
Among their recommendations was conducting a comprehensive traffic survey before proceeding with construction.
The experts also suggested reducing the width of the grade-level road, particularly on the Convention Hall side where traffic volume is comparatively lower. They proposed combining the carriageway and service road, which they said could preserve a portion of the adjoining park and save around 20 to 30 mature trees.
However, the NHAI did not accept the suggested design modifications, stating that the project had already received all necessary approvals from the government and that changes at this stage were not feasible.
Project aimed at easing traffic
The additional works at the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway (NH-275) and Mysuru Ring Road junction are being undertaken by the NHAI at an estimated cost of Rs 63.67 crore.
The project includes the construction of a flyover and an underpass with the objective of improving traffic flow and reducing congestion at one of the city’s busiest intersections.
Authorities have maintained that the infrastructure upgrade is necessary to accommodate increasing vehicular movement and enhance road safety.
Residents plan ‘Save Siddique Nagar Park’ campaign
Alongside the environmental groups, local residents are also preparing to launch a “Save Siddique Nagar Park” campaign to protect the park and the trees located within it.
Residents have expressed concern over the potential loss of green cover and have called for measures that would allow the infrastructure project to proceed while preserving as many trees as possible.
The campaign is expected to complement the efforts of environmentalists, who continue to advocate for sustainable development that balances urban infrastructure with ecological conservation.
The outcome of Monday’s meeting is likely to determine the future strategy of the environmental groups, particularly with regard to overseeing tree translocation, monitoring compensatory afforestation and engaging with authorities during the execution of the project.’