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Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Tree loss due to Bengaluru metro construction less than feared, at 6,800: Report
Bengaluru's Metro expansion plans have sparked intense debate over the impact on the city's greenery, but new figures indicate the loss of trees may not be as severe as once anticipated. Officials with the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) announced on Monday that, after a detailed internal review, approximately 6,800 trees are expected to be affected by the Phase 3 construction, down significantly from the earlier projection of 11,000, The Times of India reported. An aerial view shows the Namma Metro train of Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), riding over a flyover in Bengaluru.(AFP) Kanakaraj MH, BMRCL's assistant environment engineer, spoke to the publication and clarified that not every tree identified will necessarily be removed. He explained that some trees will be cut down, others will be transplanted to new locations, and several are likely to remain in place, depending on the developments encountered during building. READ | BJP's R Ashoka backs SIT for Dharmasthala burial claims, urges neutrality in investigation: Report The reassessment follows heightened pressure from local environmental advocates, who voiced concerns about the broader ecological toll of the metro's growth. Monday's public consultation meeting became a forum for activists to demand precise accounts of tree felling, pruning, relocation, as well as details about where transplanted trees will go and which species and tree ages are involved, the report stated. An environmental campaigner emphasized the need for concrete data rather than general assurances. She demanded to know the exact numbers — how many will be preserved, how many pruned or relocated, and the specifics on species and age, while reacting to the meeting's discussions. READ | Bengaluru Tech Summit 2025 set for Nov 18-20 at BIEC with theme 'Futurise': Report Questions were also raised about the cumulative effects of metro-related construction on Bengaluru's air and noise quality, especially following earlier phases. Kanakaraj conceded that metro developments contribute to these challenges, though he noted other sources also play a role and the impact is not uniformly high. Responding to calls for accountability, BMRCL reaffirmed its commitment to reforestation, promising to plant 10 saplings for every tree removed. These new trees will be planted within city limits and maintained for a minimum of three years. Nonetheless, activists remain doubtful — seeking updates on the success of earlier compensatory planting and data about the survival rate of relocated trees, the report said. BMRCL's Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the new construction phase is nearing completion, according to officials. Input from residents and non-governmental organizations is being gathered, with publication of the EIA anticipated by October following final reviews.
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Bengaluru Metro Phase 3: Operator brings down tree loss estimate to 6,000
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) officials Monday clarified that the tree loss during the construction of Namma Metro Phase 3 will likely be much lower than feared earlier. While the initial figure stood at around 11,000, BMRCL's environment wing has now revised this to approximately 6,800 trees after an internal assessment. "All 6,000-plus trees will not be removed. Some will be cut, some transplanted, and some retained," said Kanakaraj MH, assistant engineer (environment), BMRCL, adding that the exact number would depend on the ground situation during construction. The statement came after environmentalists raised serious concerns about the impact of Metro expansion on Bengaluru's green cover. Activists demanded greater transparency and access to data on how many trees will be felled, pruned, or relocated, and the exact locations of transplantation efforts. A public consultation meeting on the matter was held Monday. Parvathi Srirama, an environmental activist present at the meeting, said: "They are telling everything orally. We want statistics. How many trees are going to be saved correctly? How many trees are going to be pruned? How many are they relocating and where? What are the species? What is the age of the trees?" You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Responding to concerns about rising air and noise pollution following previous construction phases, Kanakaraj acknowledged that Metro work does contribute to the city's air quality issues. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Are Watching Tariffs - Few Are Watching What Nvidia Just Launched Seeking Alpha Read More Undo "But there are multiple sectors adding to pollution. It's not always high," he added. BMRCL officials reiterated their commitment to compensating for the loss of green cover. For every tree removed, the agency has pledged to plant 10 new saplings within city limits and maintain them for at least three years. However, environmentalists questioned the status of compensatory plantations carried out for earlier Metro phases and sought data on the survival rates of transplanted trees. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report on Phase 3 is currently being finalised. "We have asked the public and NGOs for their point of view. We are noting it down. The EIA report is on the verge of completion," Kanakaraj said. According to sources, the report is expected to be ready for review by Aug and will likely be published in Oct. Phase 3 of Metro will add 44km to the network, providing new connections to the traffic-heavy western section of the Outer Ring Road.
