Partners: Bangalore Environment Trust and Namma Bengaluru Foundation

Decision Makers:

1. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs,Government of India

2. Urban Development Department, Government of Karnataka

3. Forest Ecology and Environment Department, GoK

4. Karnataka Forest Department 

5. Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL)

6. Tushar Girinath, Chief Commissioner of BBMP 

Demands:

1. Re-evaluate the Metro Route

2. Prioritise Tree Transplantation and Afforestation

3. Engage the Community and Add Green Infrastructure
   
   

Introduction

Bangalore, once celebrated as the "Garden City of India," faces a grave environmental crisis. The city stands to lose 2,174 trees along the Outer Ring Road (ORR) due to the expansion of the Namma Metro Phase 3A project. While enhancing public transport is essential, the mass felling of trees threatens the city's environment and community.

The Issue

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) plans to cut down 2,174 trees along a 10-kilometre stretch of the ORR to construct an elevated metro corridor. These trees, including gulmohar, rain tree, and mahogany, are crucial to Bangalore's green canopy. They provide shade, filter air pollutants, and support local biodiversity. Removing them will significantly reduce green cover, increase air pollution, elevate temperatures, and disrupt habitats for birds and wildlife.

Why It Matters

These trees are vital to Bangalore's environment, offering numerous benefits:

• Increased Air Pollution: The trees filter air pollutants, and their removal will spike pollution levels, jeopardising public health, especially near construction sites.

• Rising Temperatures: Trees provide shade that helps cool the city. Their loss will worsen Bangalore's already rising temperatures, making the city less habitable.

• Disrupted Habitat: The removal disrupts habitats for birds and wildlife, threatening biodiversity.
  
  

Proposed Solutions

To address these concerns, we propose the following solutions:

• Re-evaluate Project Plan: Conduct a thorough review of the metro corridor alignment to identify alternative routes or design modifications that minimise tree removal. Consider underground sections or adjustments to avoid mature trees.

• Prioritise Tree Transplantation: Where possible, transplant mature trees to suitable locations to preserve green cover and maintain ecological balance.

• Enhanced Compensatory Afforestation: For every tree removed, plant at least ten native saplings in nearby areas. This ensures ecological compatibility and increases survival chances.

• Building Trust & Greener City: Encourage open communication with residents, experts, and environmental groups. Public involvement fosters trust and innovation, ensuring responsible tree planting with long-term monitoring. Integrating green infrastructure like vertical gardens and parks into the project design can enhance the urban environment, offset tree loss, and create a more sustainable city.

Bangalore cannot afford to lose its ecological heritage. Development must balance with environmental sustainability and community well-being. We urge the BMRCL and relevant authorities to seriously consider these demands and take appropriate actions to minimise the environmental impact of the Namma Metro Phase 3A project. By implementing these solutions, Bangalore can achieve a robust metro system while safeguarding its vital green cover.

Sources:

1. Namma Metro Phase 3A: BMRCL earmarks 2,174 trees along ORR for felling

P.S.  We advocate for a balance between development and ecological preservation. Trees are vital to life and must not be the price we have to pay for infrastructure development. We cannot save the environment without your support. Any amount, no matter how small, goes a long way in ensuring we are able to sustain our efforts in the long run. Donate Now!