Bangalore University defends tree removal, pledges environmental compliance

Time of India

11 hours ago

Bengaluru: Following public protest over removal of trees for the construction of a new academic building, Bangalore University defended its move saying construction is being carried out in full compliance with regulations.
At a press conference on Friday, vice-chancellor Jayakara Shetty said: "While reports claimed 419 trees would be cut, in reality, only 282 trees are being affected — of which 169 are eucalyptus and acacia species. The remaining 137 trees, located in the buffer zone, will be preserved. Additionally, the smaller trees will be transplanted nearby. All construction is being carried out in full compliance with legal and environmental regulations," he said.
The university officials also criticised the protests against the construction by outsiders: "The university is an academic space, not a public ground. The university will not tolerate any form of coercion by outsiders. So far, we have remained silent, but we will discuss the issue concerning the walkers' association in the upcoming syndicate meeting and initiate legal action. No protests or rallies will be permitted on the campus, and this has been brought to the attention of the police for appropriate action and preventive measures.
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BU also listed the measures they are taking to protect the environment. "The university will plant 10 saplings for every tree removed. BU has already planted over 6 lakh saplings of 300 species across its campus since 1998. Under PM-USHA scheme, Rs 8 crore has been earmarked for decarbonisation and environmental protection, including LED street lighting across campus, promotion of electric vehicles and bicycles, construction of rainwater harvesting systems, and establishment of a nature interpretation centre," he said.
BOX:
Some PG programmes closed for this year
Following low admissions, three post graduate programmes will be dropped for this academic year in BU. Molecular biology, solid waste management and disaster management received less than 10 admissions for academic year 2025-26. Thus, these programmes will not function for this year.
There are over 52 post graduate departments in the university. Programmes like Sanskrit, Telugu, audiology, speech and language, Hindi, corporate communication, constitution and administration, labour employment, international business, Urdu, dance, music, geographical information and life science have lost popularity over the years.
The syndicate had decided that courses with less than 10 admissions should be closed down so as to not burden the university.