Residents protest against tree felling in Koramangala
Tags:
Around 40 trees were chopped down on Friday at Kormangala and Sarjapur Road without the knowledge of the residents, resulting in a massive protest called by the Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA).
It has been alleged that the trees were chopped down to make way for an underpass project as a favour to a private builder.
Over 40 fully mature trees were cut down near the water tank junction of Kormangala to give way to a signal-free corridor. However, the project had been opposed by the residents who felt that there was no need for an underpass.
“How can BDA come and chop down trees without the knowledge of residents? There is a partial stay in the court, how can a civil agency defy it? Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda had formed a committee to relook into the project but BDA went ahead with cutting trees before the report was out. Are the BDA authorities above the chief minister?
"They are acting like goons. We are alleging that the underpass is coming up as a big mall is going to come up at the end of the underpass. The project has been given a green signal by BDA which shows that they are favouring a private builder. Public opinion was not taken into consideration for the project,” said members of Kormangala Residents Welfare Association.
The RWA had visited their area corporator as well as one of the BBMP’s tree officers. The tree officer had stated that though BDA had the permission to cut trees, they did not follow the right procedure of calling for a public auction etc.
Post new comment