Activists urge Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to stop felling of 368 trees in Bengaluru's Cantonment area
Environmental activists have written to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urging him to immediately intervene and prevent the felling of 368 trees in the Bengaluru Cantonment railway premises.
To facilitate construction, the Railways has sought permission from the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Forest Cell to axe the trees. Following this, the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) had invited public objections on April 25, 2025.
A letter by A.T. Ramaswamy, an environment activist, stated that a campaign held on World Environment Day (June 5) saw participation from seers, retired officials, and environmentalists, all demanding that the trees be saved and the land declared a biodiversity park.
The group has accused the BBMP Forest Cell of prioritising corporate interests over public health and green cover. They have called on the Chief Minister to issue immediate directions to stop tree felling and protect Bengaluru's rapidly declining urban canopy.
In April, The Hindu first reported that the BBMP issued a public notice inviting objections to the proposed felling of 368 trees located inside the colony. The Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA), under the Ministry of Railways, has sought permission for the removal of trees as part of its 'commercial development project' planned at the site.
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